Celtics trade pitch sends $100 million guard to West contender for frontcourt help

The Boston Celtics’ roster looks unrecognizable from last season already, and changes likely haven’t stopped.

Since the Celtics lost in the second round of the playoffs to the New York Knicks, there has been little optimism surrounding the team. At least in the short term, the Celtics have little hopes of competing for an NBA title with Jayson Tatum set to miss likely all of next season.

Still, Boston has played to a championship standard over the past few years, and the Celtics would likely love to make the playoffs again, even if competing for a title is unlikely. Boston’s top potential trade pieces are Derrick White and Jaylen Brown, but those two seem likely to be in a Celtics jersey to begin next season.

On the other hand, recently acquired Anfernee Simons could be the perfect trade piece to get the Celtics some more help. Simons ended up in Boston as part of the Jrue Holiday trade, but most reports point to him never suiting up for the Celtics.

In a recent trade proposed by ClutchPoints’ Bailey Bassett, the Celtics would send Simons to Memphis for Brandon Clarke, Jon Konchar and two second-round picks, with GG Jackson heading to Brooklyn in a three-teamer. That deal could give Boston some added flexibility on the wing, but most importantly, Clarke would give Boston a decent big man.

After losing Luke Kornet, Kristaps Porzingis and likely Al Horford, Boston desperately needs to find a big man with some real experience. While trading Simons for Clarke and Konchar certainly won’t solve all of Boston’s problems, it could be a step in the right direction.