After getting bounced by the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals in seven games, the Boston Celtics headed into the NBA offseason determined to improve their roster and, as a result, take it to another level next season.
The Celtics didn’t waste any time to make moves this offseason, with the team acquiring forward Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards in a deal that sent Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team trade.
Along with parting ways with Smart and bringing in Porzingis, the Celtics also recently traded forward Grant Williams to the Dallas Mavericks.
With superstar guard Damian Lillard available on the trade market, there’s been some buzz about the Celtics getting involved with Jaylen Brown possibly headed to the Portland Trail Blazers or involved in some form.
Well, it appears the Celtics are not going after Lillard, with Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe reporting that the team is not expected to pursue a trade for the veteran guard.
-Per sources, the Celtics are not expected to be in the mix for Damian Lillard.
-Jaylen Brown’s extension remains on course, with talks expected in Vegas.
-More on why the Celtics and Grant Williams parted ways.
More intel here: https://t.co/519ecHpD6m— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) July 6, 2023
As currently constructed, the Celtics are legitimate title contenders once again, with Jayson Tatum and potentially the newly-extended Brown leading the way for the storied NBA franchise.
The Celtics have definitely taken a hit defensively with Smart and Williams headed elsewhere, but the team is better offensively with the addition of Porzingis.
However, although he’s coming off his best season in quite some time, Porzingis can be a liability due to being prone to injury, which could prove to be a problem in Boston.
If he can stay healthy for the majority of the season, the Celtics will be imposing and perhaps the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.
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