The Boston Celtics may have lost two players off their starting line-up: Amir Jackson (free agency) and Avery Bradley (via trade). Nevertheless, they look even more competitive with the arrival of Gordon Hayward (free agency) and Marcus Morris (Bradley trade).

The revamp is still incomplete, or so as basketball analysts and experts believe. Recent reports suggest that the Celtics front office could still be looking to add one more NBA superstar before the trade deadline expires in February and form their own version of “NBA superteam”.

Boston Celtics “Superteam” Part 2

ESPN compared the current Boston Celtics lineup to their last champion team: The 2008 Boston Celtics which was led by Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce. Yet while both teams now have three certified superstars in Hayward, Al Horford, and Isaiah Thomas, the Celtics v2.0 has the advantage; they still got lots of assets to trade.

First, they got rookie Jayson Tatum and sophomore Jaylen Brown who were both third overall picks during the 2016 and 2017 NBA Draft, respectively. Then there’s the indefatigable Jae Crowder whose contract worth $22 million over the next three years gives the Celtics enough breathing room while having quality personnel.

Here is the possible starting lineup of the Boston Celtics: Thomas (PG), Hayward (SG), Crowder (SF), Morris (PF), and Horford (C).

The 20-year old Brown and the 19-year old Tatum comes off the bench for Hayward and Crowder, respectively, while Marcus Smart will give Thomas the much-needed rest.

Second, the Celtics have immediate draft picks that can be used as trade chips suffice enough to go after another NBA superstar. Through previous transactions, the Boston Celtics owns five first round picks in the next two NBA Drafts: Brooklyn Nets (2018), Los Angeles Lakers (2018), Sacramento Kings / Philadelphia 76ers (2019), Memphis Grizzlies (2019, top-eight protected), and the Los Angeles Clippers (2019, lottery protected).

Anthony Davis or DeMarcus Cousins

Gone is their chance to trade for Paul George or Jimmy Butler. Now, the Celtics front office is reportedly targeting one of the two New Orleans Pelicans big men, Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Using a bundle of trade chips, GM Danny Ainge will try to fish one of these two superstars in trying to close the gap against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and possibly the Golden State Warriors.

Of these two superstars, the Celtics front office has a higher chance of landing Cousins before the trade deadline expires in February. The reason is simple -- Cousins has lower trade value as he will become an unrestricted free agent by July 1. However, the trade will only materialize if the two Pelican big men remain struggling to play their respective roles.

There were rumors during the early days of the free agency that the Boston Celtics will push a trade involving starters Al Horford and Jae Crowder for Anthony Davis. The trade is said to have additional three draft picks. Many believe the Celtics front office will push this trade before February depending on how Tatum and Brown’s development.
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