Celtics may pursue commerce for Rudy Gobert

Boston Celtics

White and Gobert’s salaries match, making the trail to a commerce a lot simpler for the Celtics.

The Celtics have been one of many main gamers linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo in commerce talks, however it seems to be like they’ve acquired different plans on the horizon as nicely.

A commerce for Antetokounmpo would virtually actually require Boston to commerce away Jaylen Brown, as their salaries match. However ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reiterated that the Celtics’ possibilities of buying and selling Brown this offseason are very low.

So, until Boston can stumble right into a commerce for Antetokounmpo that doesn’t require them to surrender Brown, it seems it’ll be wanting into other ways to enhance its entrance court docket.

One potential identify to look out for is Rudy Gobert. And, in keeping with Jake Fischer, the Celtics may pursue a deal for Gobert that might ship Derrick White to Minnesota as the primary returning piece.

White and Gobert have matching salaries, making a one-for-one swap doable between the 2, although it’s unclear if both facet can be in search of further compensation within the deal.

“In reference to Minnesota’s curiosity in White, which The Athletic’s Sam Amick first reported Friday morning, buying and selling him for Rudy Gobert would signify a transparent wage match,” Fischer wrote. “Sources say that Boston, moreover, has inquired about Gobert earlier than … most lately at February’s commerce deadline. Now I don’t suppose that the Wolves are actively purchasing Gobert, both method, however Minnesota is alleged to be as exploratory and open-minded as Boston with regards to shaking up the roster across the crew’s clear alpha (Anthony Edwards).”

White has been a beginning guard for the Celtics since they traded for him within the 2021-22 season, and was an integral a part of their championship season. However within the playoffs final 12 months, he struggled mightily together with his jumpshot. Boston nonetheless has Payton Pritchard obtainable to run the purpose if Boston wants him to, and loads of lineup flexibility with Brown and Jayson Tatum being able to enjoying a number of positions within the lineup.

The Celtics have additionally been linked to Trey Murphy in offseason commerce rumors, together with Antetokounmpo. Brad Stevens advised reporters in his end-of-season press convention that he’d do something to enhance the crew this offseason, and based mostly on the names Boston has been linked to, that has completely held true to date.

The Celtics are looking for an enchancment at middle, regardless of seeing a serious enchancment in Neemias Queta final season. He was loads serviceable within the common season, however foul bother within the playoffs harm Boston. Including Gobert to the combination would give the Celtics loads of lineup flexibility, as they may play Gobert and Queta collectively at energy ahead and middle, or use Tatum on the 4 and convey Queta off the bench.

Both method, Gobert would seemingly be a serious enchancment to Boston’s lineup. He’s on the older facet as a middle, however is a multi-time defensive participant of the 12 months that may add inside scoring and be a constant veteran presence alongside Tatum and Brown.

Final time the Celtics made a splash transfer for a middle, it was Kristaps Porzingis, who helped Boston win a championship. Gobert may observe go well with.