Two Former Celtics Are Possibly Tradeable to Boston
The Celtics, who already had the best record in the NBA, improved to 30-9 on Saturday night at TD Garden.
They accomplished this by defeating the Houston Rockets 145-113 on Ime Udoka’s return to Boston. The team’s former bench boss discussed Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s development since he coached them in the 2021–22 season prior to the game.
“They’ve taken those steps in confidence, been there, done that,” Udoka said. He continued, “It’s a natural progression for those guys to become the All-NBA guys they are.”
The Celtics’ quest for Banner 18 is being propelled by the star tandem. Boston also boasts what is regarded as the league’s most talented starting six. However, as they look for and assess possible roster strengthening moves, the organization’s president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, and the rest of its front office continue to do their homework.
Stevens recently stated that the Celtics would like to add a big wing who can handle the sacrifice that comes with the role they have available, even though the team is aware of its trade restrictions as a whole over the second apron, is not about to shake up their top six, and is unlikely to part with Sam Hauser or Payton Pritchard.
Oshae Brissett is making a strong case for the position, especially with his statement, “I think that could be from within,” from their president of basketball operations.
Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala are two external options that the organization is aware of and that could be targets in the future. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the two were traded from the Washington Wizards to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Isaiah Livers, Marvin Bagley III, and second-round draft picks in 2025 and 2026.
This implies that Boston has the option and means to bring back Gallinari or Muscala. The former is in the second and last year of a $13.3 million contract that he signed with the Celtics using the taxpayer mid-level exception last summer. This season, his contract is worth $6.8 million. For $3.5 million, the latter has an expiring contract.
While neither is a conventional big wing, they are both capable of playing the four and the five as floor spacers. Reuniting with Gallinari would probably necessitate a buyout from the Pistons because he wouldn’t qualify for the $6.2 million traded player exception that Grant Williams provided.
Nevertheless, it appears doubtful that the 35-year-old, who was traded to Detroit after averaging seven points and 2.9 rebounds in 26 games with the Wizards, will sign with Boston and play for his old team again.
After joining the Celtics at the trade deadline from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Muscala spent the majority of his time on the bench. In 14.1 minutes and 24 games, he scored four points and pulled down 3.1 rebounds in his meager opportunities with Washington as well.
In the country’s capital, the ten-year veteran only took 3.8 shots per tilt. Out of his 2.1 three-point attempts, he converted on just 27.5 percent of them. He has shot 37.5 percent from beyond the arc on 2.6 attempts in his career, though.
The six-foot-ten Muscala might be worth bringing back, especially if he makes it to the buyout market. However, it appears more likely that Neemias Queta will be promoted from his two-way contract or that another outside candidate will be signed, possibly including a young, promising player the team wants to collaborate with.
