Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics
Getty
Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens
Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics are one of the teams to keep a close eye on as the February 5 NBA trade deadline draws closer.
Despite coming into the season with many expecting a down year from the team, the Celtics are actually a contender in the Eastern Conference. Even without Jayson Tatum and following the offseason trades of both Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, Boston has turned into a buyer.
At this point in time, it has sounded like the Celtics are looking to acquire help at the center position.
While Boston has been rumored to be looking into acquiring a big man, Stevens will prioritize a player who can help both this season and in the future. There are quite a few players the Celtics could target to fill that role.
Keeping that in mind, one potential option could be Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner.
Boston Celtics Linked to Myles Turner as Possible Trade Target
Boston Celtics on SI analyst John Karalis named Turner as a potential option.
“It’s not working out great in Milwaukee right now, and there might be some regret on both sides,” Karalis wrote. “So moving on from him for a young scoring guard might make sense for a team looking to regroup after the Antetokounmpo situation settles down.”
Turner would be a very intriguing pickup for Boston. He would bring elite rim protection on the defensive end of the court and the ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting ability.
Both of those skill-sets are something that the Celtics could use. Turner would also be the kind of piece who would fit nicely alongside of both Tatum and Brown next season and for years to come.
Myles Turner Would Be a Long-Term Trade Acquisition
Turner signed a lucrative four-year, $108.8 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason. He was brought in to try and keep Giannis Antetokounmpo in town.
Unfortunately, it appears that the Bucks are headed towards a split with their franchise superstar.
So far this season in 44 games played, the 29-year-old center has averaged 13 points per game to go along with 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.6 assists. He has also shot 43.6 percent from the floor and 39 percent from three-point range.
At 29 years old, Turner would be an elite fit for Boston. Depending on what it would cost to acquire him from Milwaukee, the Celtics should be all-in on the idea.
Of course, this is just an idea and there have been no reports about whether or not Boston actually has interest in trading for Turner. He would be an excellent fit, but his contract or the price to acquire him might be too high for the Celtics.
Stevens has never been shy to make aggressive moves. Trading for Turner would be exactly the kind of addition.
Expect to hear more rumors about Boston as the deadline draws closer. Turner is at least a name to keep an eye on if the Bucks make him available.