The Boston Celtics can explore adding ex-National college player of the year Frank Kaminsky, a long-time target of the franchise, in the later portion
of training camp according to NESN’s Keagan Stiefel.
Apr 27, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter during game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
“Frank Kaminsky might not necessarily be a sexy name (in more ways than one), but he feels like the kind of guy who could be added at some point
over the later portion of training camp,” Stiefel prefaced before saying, “The 30-year-old shot 39.4% from three-point range in 2023, and at 7-feet tall
he can guard the forward and center positions. Like we said, no one is going to jump for joy if this is the signing, but he’s more than capable of filling
in minutes.” Per Encestando’s Moshe Barda, Kaminsky has overseas interest.
“Maccabi Tel Aviv, in fact, appears to be interested in bringing to Europe the 8-year NBA player Frank Kaminsky, who has never played overseas
before,” Barda prefaced before saying, “The 30-year-old center with Polish and Serbian ancestry started the 2022-23 season with the Hawks, being
traded to the Houston Rockets as part of the deal that sent Bruno Fernando and Garrison Mathews to Atlanta.”
Luke Kornet could provide stability in the Boston Celtics’ frontcourt
Luke Kornet has stuck for several seasons now on the Boston Celtics, making him one of the most reliable options in the frontcourt from a durability
standpoint. The presence of the Vanderbilt product could make Kaminsky a redundant signing, and it could buoy the big-man rotation if Kristaps
Porzingis’ Plantar fasciitis keeps him out for an extended period of time.
Alternatively, Blake Griffin could be a familiar face worth reuniting with. Stiefel listed both the 34-year-old six-time All-Star and Dallas Mavericks
free agent big man Christian Wood as his other options.
Kornet won’t have his contract guaranteed until January 10, 2024, so if the Celtics were to pursue any of the aforementioned free-agent targets, Brad
Stevens and Co. could cut bait with the 28-year-old at a minimal financial penalty.
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Proposed trade swaps Damian Lillard for Boston Celtics frontcourt, vet PG
A proposed Damian Lillard trade from NBA Analysis Network’s James Piercey would send the seven-time All-Star to the Boston Celtics in exchange
for their entire frontcourt depth behind Kristaps Porzingis, a veteran point guard who needs time to “heal” after the organization’s attempt to trade
him, and four draft picks.
In total, the Portland Trail Blazers would land Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III, Al Horford, a 2024 First-Round Pick (GSW via BOS), a 2025
First-Round Pick (BOS), a 2027 First-Round Pick (BOS), and a 2029 First-Round Pick (BOS). Piercey believes this would be the best deal Portland
could even ask for.
“This is an especially strong offer,” Piercey prefaced before saying, “If Robert Williams III can get healthy, it’ll be the best deal that Portland could
hope for. Even if he can’t, they’re landing four unprotected first-round picks here. That should be enough to entice the Blazers to move on from
Lillard.”
Trading for Damian Lillard would force the Boston Celtics to trade away Kristaps Porzingis and/or Derrick White
Piercey had doubts about such a proposal on the Boston Celtics’ side of the equation, pointing out that landing Lillard would possibly mean having to
trade Porzingis and/or Derrick White in order to facilitate a Dame-Jaylen Brown-Jayson Tatum trio.
“Yes, there are causes for concern here,” Piercey prefaced before saying, “The Celtics’ salary sheet would suddenly be extremely complicated. In time,
this deal may require them to trade Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White just to make room for their superstar trio of Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and
Jaylen Brown. This deal also leaves them without draft capital moving forward.”
Does Brad Stevens roll the dice on a highly-priced Big Four or even Big Five depending on whether White can continue to produce at a near-star
level? History doesn’t seem to indicate he would, but the NBA is wide open and has been for years, so if there’s enough of a pathway to going all-in
and having it bear fruit?
Don’t count Brad out. The time for Banner 18 is now, and Wyc Grousbeck is ready to pony up whatever price it takes to raise it in the TD Garden
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