Hypothetical Celtics Trades to Boost Pursuit of 2025 NBA Title | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Ava Arnold Assuming the Celtics don't sense a need for dramatic change—and barring a premature playoff exit, they shouldn't—then they'll probably be shopping the bargain bin this summer.
Much like their deadline deal for Jaden Springer, a trade for AJ Griffin could be a chance to buy low on a young player with untapped potential. And if the Celtics happened to get the best out of Griffin, they'd suddenly have a cost-controlled, three-and-D wing added to the equation.
It's worth noting, of course, that Griffin isn't getting any minutes (132 in total) this season on an Atlanta Hawks team headed for the Play-In Tournament. So, the odds of him becoming a regular contributor in Boston can't be great.
Then again, injuries and personal absences have contributed to his limited floor time, so it isn't necessarily tied to a lack of ability. Just last season, the 6'6" swingman carved out a rotation role as a rookie, netting 39 percent of his long-range looks while showing flashes of defensive ability and some off-the-dribble utility. He's an interesting young player, and given what it would cost to get him (a pair of second-round picks might do it), the potential reward could easily outweigh any risk.