With two of Boston's point guards out of commission and the team on a two-game losing streak, Danny Ainge needs to maintain the patience that he has acquired since coming to Beantown. Marcus Smart is out for 2-to-3 weeks with a calf issue, while Payton Pritchard is nursing a knee injury.
The traded player exception (TPE) sits unused in Ainge's hands, and he clings to it like he has with past draft picks. That should continue - barring an irresistible deal he can't let go.
The Celtics bench has proven to be a weak link this season, and the latest rumblings concern the availability of Pelicans' sharpshooting guard, J J Redick, being available. Redick is a shooting guard - pure and simple. Despite the scoring woes from Boston's bench, Redick is not the answer.
Here's the deal. The NBA's All-Star break occurs March 5-10, and historically, this is a time when many inter-team discussions take place. The trade deadline is March 25, and April 9 marks the last day for players to be waived and still be illegible for post-season play.
Timing is critical here. A move on J J Redick could turn out to be a "too little-too soon" mistake. I doubt he would make the positive difference that the Celtics are seeking. But a player like the Magic's Aaron Gordon might. I have broached this before.
Gordon is currently out 4-6 weeks with a severe ankle sprain. With some minor maneuvering, Ainge could acquire the 6'8" wing with the TPE, and Gordon could be ready for a post-season run with Boston.
Orlando would not give up Aaron for nothing, so the Celtics would have to surrender some members of their promising young crew and future draft picks, but it could be worth it. Gordon, unlike Redick, is not s short-term fix. He has the size and versatile skills favored by Brad Stevens and should fit in to the Celtics future plans.
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