HOW I WOULD RETOOL THE BOSTON CELTICS INTO CONTENTION
Step 1: Trade for Daniel Gafford
Trade Details: Sam Hauser, Amari Williams, and the 27th Pick for Daniel Gafford
Gafford is a big body, lob threat, high-energy big who would perfectly fit with the Celtics playstyle. This playoffs, There were no one to stop Embiid, We have no big bodies in the paint and one that could match Joel's physicality. That in my opinion, ultimately lead to us blowing the 3-1 lead and ending the season in a disappointing fashion. By acquiring Gafford, We'll have someone to match up well with the Jokic's and the Embiid's of the league; I'm not saying he would lock them up, but he will for sure hold his ground against them. It seems to be we are giving up too little for Gafford, but with rumors circulating that they're shopping him, this would be a fair return as they would save money and acquire one of the league's underrated catch-and-shooters who would definitely fit well with Cooper Flagg. ---
STEP 2: Draft Alex Karaban or Sergio de Larrea with the 40th Pick
By trading away Hauser, we'll definitely need shooting. That's where drafting Karaban, a proven winner and shooter in college, comes into play. We could also go for the upside route and draft Sergio de Larrea, a 20 year old 6'5" PG who has shown flashes of brilliance overseas.
FREE AGENCY
SIGN-AND-TRADE LU DORT TO A 4-YR, 60 MILLION DEAL
OKC and Lu Dort are not looking to reunite anytime soon. OKC are shedding salary, while Lu Dort is looking to get paid in free agency. Celtics swoop him to build a defensive team that gave them a ring in 2024.
TRADE DETAILS: Lu Dort for a 15M TPE and 2032 SRP
Celtics obtain a great defender who is in levels of Jrue defense, creating a monster defensive team similar to what we've had in 2024. A white-Dort-JB-Tatum-Queta/Gafford lineup will wreak havoc and keep opponents under 90 points. On the flip side, OKC create a 15 M TPE which would be very very useful in the future for big trades. They also shed salary and obtain an extra srp.
SIGN A STRETCH BIG (PREFERRED MICAH POTTER)
Micah Potter in my opinion was underrated in Indy. Could shoot threes, and could surprisingly hold his ground in the perimeter. Very good 13th man in my opinion. Al Horford would be perfect too if he'd accept a smaller role and be a vet presence to our team, but yeah any stretch big would do for situational purposes.