The Boston Celtics have already proven that they are one of the best teams in the NBA this season. However, the 2024 NBA trade deadline is still a few months away and it seems that President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens has his sights set on a trade target.
In today’s NBA games, Boston leads the Eastern Conference and has a 0.5 game lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves for the best record in basketball. The Celtics are not only the sixth highest scoring team in the league, but also the third lowest scoring team (109.9 points per game).
Boston has benefited greatly this season from a well-rounded production. In nearly 30 games, five Celtics players have averaged double-digit points and four are averaging at least 16 points and 4 rebounds per game.
However, the team has lacked depth in the frontcourt so far and needs more players with different roles. It seems that the Boston Bulls will approach the NBA transfer deadline with a certain player on their radar due to the existing needs.
According to NBA expert Marc Stein, the Celtics are “among the teams monitoring Utah’s Kelly Olynyk” ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
Although Boston would face significant competition for Olynyk, his familiarity and good relationship with Utah Jazz CEO Danny Ainge could help the Celtics in trade negotiations.
Olynyk, who will turn 33 in April, has been very productive for the Utah Jazz this season. The six-footer is averaging a career-best 54.9 percent shooting, including from beyond the arc (41.8 percent), and is setting personal bests in assists.
Originally drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the 13th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Olynyk spent the first four seasons of his NBA career in Boston (2013-’17). He could be an ideal addition to the Celtics’ rotation, giving the playoff contender a boost in the NBA Finals.