The Boston Celtics are in a position where they’ll always be looking to get better, but likely aren't in the best spot to accomplish that right now.
Had Jayson Tatum not gotten injured, Brad Stevens would be doing a lot more. It's already remarkable what Stevens has done throughout the offseason, helping this team be in a position to win a championship sometime when Tatum returns.
Whether that be in 2026-27 or beyond, the Celtics are in a better spot because of their ability to now make more moves if they continue to shed salary.
However, there's always a possibility that if Stevens gets the opportunity to add a player he loves, he'll do just that, no matter what it takes.
Clutch Points recently proposed the idea of them trading for Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies, and while it might not make the most sense because of where the Celtics stand, if Stevens wants him, he could view him as a long-term option.
“The problem isn’t just production, it’s fit. Clarke has never developed a consistent three-point shot, and Memphis’s offense now leans more on floor spacing to give Morant room to attack. In a frontcourt already featuring Jackson, Santi Aldama, and a handful of hybrid forwards, Clarke’s skill set overlaps too much with younger, cheaper players.
“From a trade standpoint, Clarke’s $12+ million salary is useful. Memphis could package him with picks to bring in a wing who can shoot and defend, or a guard to bolster the second unit. Contenders looking for bench depth up front, like the Boston Celtics or Golden State Warriors, might see Clarke as a buy-low target,” they wrote.
Clarke has consistently proven himself to be an above-average player throughout parts of his NBA career, but he's not a star by any means, nor is he a starter in some instances.
For a Celtics team that will continue to be one of the best in the NBA when Tatum returns, he likely fits better off the bench or as a player who doesn't get a ton of playing time.