NBA: 5 unlikely trades that should happen before the deadline
By Nate Friesen
5. The Celtics get a center
Possibly the most likely trade in this list is Andre Drummond straight up for Gordon Hayward. This trade just makes so much sense for both teams.
It gives the Celtics the center that they desperately need and solidifies their spot as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference this season. It also signals to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown that it is their team.
This would essentially give the Celtics a big four consisting of Andre Drummond, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Kemba Walker. Their eight-man rotation in addition to that big four would look something like Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Andre Drummond in the starting line up and Carsen Edwards, Enes Kanter and Semi Ojeleye off the bench.
This trade makes a whole lot of sense for the Pistons too. Not only do they get a guy in Gordon Hayward who can create off the dribble and score at will, but they also avoid the potential mistake of giving Andre Drummond a max contract this summer and/or just letting him walk for nothing.
The Pistons would certainly be in a better position building around Gordon Hayward and Blake Griffin as it makes for a more modern team that can space the floor and has multiple playmakers on at all times.
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I think this trade could certainly put Detroit in a better position to not only be better in the future but also to make the playoffs this season with an eight-man rotation consisting of Derrick Rose, Luke Kennard, Gordon Hayward, Markieff Morris and Blake Griffin in their starting lineup and Reggie Jackson (once healthy), Tony Snell and Christian Wood coming off the bench.