The Boston Celtics decided to keep almost the same roster from the start of the season - with the addition of Greg Monroe - despite the opportunity of trading for another game-changer in the final hours of the trading window.

A.Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston pointed out in his latest article that the development of young players, particularly blooming wingers Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, ultimately outweighed the other option which was to bring an established player on board.

The Celtics indeed had their eye on one of the serviceable veterans available in the trade market as they were reportedly in talks to get either Memphis Grizzlies’ Tyreke Evans or L.A Clippers’ Lou Williams.

However, the Celtics opted not to pursue those trades and instead put trust in their young guns to step up for the crucial stretches of the season.

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge confirmed Blakely’s report in a media briefing after the trade deadline, stressing that any mid-season addition may impede the progress of their young players.

Impressive young guns

Boston’s current crop of youngsters is certainly turning heads this season with their terrific plays and display of maturity beyond their years. Brown and Tatum, both No.3 picks in the past two drafts, have been arguably the most impressive because of their versatility on both ends of the floor.

Brown has upped his scoring average this season (14.1 PPG on 45.9 FG% and 5.4 RPG) while showing the potential of an elite wing defender.

Tatum is also looking like another 3-and-D find for the Celtics at this stage of his career. The former Duke standout is averaging 13.6 PPG on 47.8 FG% and 43.1 3PT% in 31.0 MPG. He’s also proving to be a solid perimeter defender as well, holding his ground against fleet-footed guards and bully-balling small forwards.

The bigger picture for the Celtics

Of course, it wasn’t much of a surprise to see the Celtics standing pat at the trade deadline. While the Celtics did explore some avenues to improve their lineup, most NBA insiders weren’t expecting another gargantuan deal for Boston since none of the players available in the trade market would help them blow out the competition in the Eastern Conference.

According to Blakely, the absence of a potential grandfather deal might be the most logical reasons behind the Celtics’ approach at the deadline. It’s no secret that Boston is still gunning for New Orleans Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis, and according to several sources, interested teams are starting to believe that they can snag the once-in-a-generation superstar out of Bayou.

The Celtics, loaded with high draft picks and enticing young players, are viewed as the frontrunners since they can easily meet the Pelicans’ king’s ransom asking price, which would most likely include Brown or Tatum. It’s the Celtics two-pronged approach towards building a perennial title contender — develop young players into All-Star caliber players and leverage the existing talents for a seismic move.
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