The Boston Celtics have a record of 33-15 and are in second place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Celtics started the season 21-5 but since December 15th, the Celtics are 13-10 in their last 23 games and haven’t been able to replicate the same play that won them the championship last year.
With the trade deadline just a week away, the Celtics could either stay put or potentially trade away these three players.
1. Jaden Springer, SG
Jaden Springer started his career with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2021 where he wasn’t able to earn much playing time. Springer averaged 3.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and .6 steals in 50 games in three seasons before being traded to the Celtics last season. He’s maintained a similar role on Joe Mazzulla’s ‘stay ready’ group but has seen an uptick in his playing time.
In January, Springer saw his role increase as he averaged 2.3 points, .5 rebounds, and .7 steals in 5.5 minutes per game.
His minutes have increased recently and had a great game against the Los Angeles Clippers as the Celtics were down multiple players. Springer provided a much-needed spark with 10 points, four steals, and two three-pointers in 20 minutes of action to help the Celtics win.
Springer is an excellent defender and has slowly improved his three-point shooting but hasn’t been able to earn playing time due to the Celtics' depth. Given that Springer hasn’t carved a role with the team, the Celtics should look into trading him.
Springer, 22, is set to become a free agent after this year and is currently making $4 million this season. What he needs is a team that’s willing to let him develop and improve by giving him playing time. The Celtics have championship aspirations and don’t have the time to let a young player grow.
The Celtics should trade Springer to lower the luxury tax bill or acquire a player on an equal salary who can provide bench scoring.
2. Neemias Queta, C
Neemias Queta started his career with the Sacramento Kings in 2021 on a two-way contract. Queta played in 20 games in two seasons with the Kings, averaging 2.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and .5 blocks before signing to the Celtics in 2023.
Earlier in the season, Queta saw an increase in his minutes due to the absence of Kristaps Porzingis, averaging 7.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 21.5 minutes in November. During this stretch, Queta filled the void as a rim protector and a scorer around the basket, becoming a valuable contributor.
With Porzingis back in the lineup and Luke Kornet earning more minutes, Queta has seen his role reduced. In January, Queta is averaging 4.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and .3 blocks in 12.9 minutes per game.
With Kornet solidifying himself as the third option behind Al Horford and Porzingis, the Celtics could consider moving on from Queta at the deadline. The Celtics can capitalize on his value by trading Queta and acquire an athletic wing or a big that can shoot.
Queta has shown he can provide valuable minutes in a backup role and some teams could use him. Although the Celtics need another big that can shoot or an athletic wing, it would be wise for the Celtics to keep Queta due to the injury history of Porzingis.
3. Xavier Tillman Sr., PF/C
Xavier Tillman Sr. started his career with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2020. Tillman played in 207 games in four seasons with the Grizzlies, averaging 6.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists before being traded to the Celtics at last year’s trade deadline.
Tillman could be traded once again as he hasn’t been able to carve out any minutes. Tillman is averaging just 4.4 minutes per game in January compared to the 14.8 minutes he was getting in October. In all fairness to him, the Celtics' frontcourt is packed with Porzingis, Horford, Kornet, and Queta.
With where the Celtics stand with the luxury tax, it would be wise for the Celtics to free up some cap space by trading Tillman. The Celtics gave Tillman a two-year, $4.7 million contract this past summer and they should use this deal as an opportunity to trade him to lower the luxury tax bill.
While it’s important to have depth, the Celtics already have four bigs and don’t have minutes for Tillman. Several teams could use Tillman’s services in a backup role, similar to his role in Memphis.
