Boston Celtics not trading Gordon Hayward or Marcus Smart
The Boston Celtics have firmly established themselves as contenders in the Eastern Conference and could be looking at potential trade options to look for another big man.
But according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, they will not be putting either Gordon Hayward or Marcus Smart on the trade table.
The Celtics entered the new campaign with some scepticism on how they’d cope without Kyrie Irving, but arguably their biggest loss was Al Horford.
The 33-year-old was a key component to Boston’s relative success during his three seasons there and helped exponentially in coping with other big teams in the East.
He has since been replaced by Enes Kanter but Daniel Theis has stepped up to take the center role for Boston so far.
With teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and the Milwaukee Bucks boasting an array of talented bigs, reports have suggested the Celtics could enter the trade market to bring in someone with Kevin Love’s name suggested.
Such a move would likely mean giving up one of their core players, but Windhorst claims GM Danny Ainge isn’t prepared to offer either Hayward or Smart.
“The reality is, the Celtics don’t have easy options even if they were determined to upgrade in the middle,” he said.
“While one could have some fun with the Trade Machine, Boston has made it clear to anyone who has asked that their core players are absolutely not available.
“That includes, sources said, both Hayward and Smart, players who have been floated as possible trade chips in the past.”
Andre Drummond a target for Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly interested in trying to trade for Andre Drummond.
According to Sean Deveney, Drummond will exercise his player option for next summer to enter free agency.
But the report adds Charlotte could try and make their move now with the Detroit Pistons struggling this season and potentially risk losing him for nothing in the summer.
The Hornets have proved cautious in the past with trade discussions and would unlikely give up one of their core young players, but it is suggested they would be willing to talk over negotiations.
DeMar DeRozan trade question raised
The San Antonio Spurs should at least consider trading DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge.
That’s the suggestion from 2008 NBA champion Kendrick Perkins, who raised a debate on Twitter whether the Spurs should look at trading their top two assets.
The Spurs have wobbled to a 5-10 start to the new season as Gregg Popovich juggles youth and experience on his roster.
San Antonio lost Kawhi Leonard in 2018 for DeRozan and, while his numbers have been good since arriving at the Spurs, it may be time for the franchise to look at a rebuild.