Brooklyn may be the top pick to come out of the Eastern Conference, but the Boston Celtics are looking for upgrades before the trade deadline so they can mount their own title run.
According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, “league sources have long said Boston is searching for upgrades to bolster its wing and big-man position.”
The Celtics are feeling the loss of Gordon Hayward to the Charlotte Hornets and the limitations of big men Tristan Thompson and Daniel Theis.
Boston slipped to fourth in the Eastern Conference and is 7-7 on the road and 4-6 in their last ten games.
With the Nets now bringing the triple firepower of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, and the Lakers’ threatening to win championship number 18 and take over as the team with the most titles, O’Connor is reporting that “multiple executives around the league” think Boston is “up to something.”
One of their targets may be the Sacramento Kings’ Harrison Barnes.
Barnes is having a stellar season averaging 17.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
Still, the Kings are having a surprise run, currently sitting in seventh place in the West and a possible playoff birth.
Their efforts wouldn’t bode well if they lose Barnes.
Boston’s Kemba Walker will be able to provide some needed scoring once he is fully back in sync after his knee injury, but Barnes would be a huge grab for the C’s if they can get him.