NBA: Moves that East playoff teams need to make to take a step forward

Boston Celtics: Fill the new need at point guard

After a disappointing year, the Boston Celtics’ general manager Danny Ainge subsequently resigned and coach Brad Stevens took over in a shocking move. In his first move as new GM, Stevens traded star point guard Kemba Walker and a pick for a better-fitting Al Horford and discount contract Moses Brown.

This move addressed the need for a sweet-shooting center that the Celtics had been searching for since, ironically, losing Al Horford in free agency. However, it opened up a glaring hole at the point guard position.

The Celtics have a couple of options. They can fill this hole via free agency, via trade, or both.

In free agency, TJ McConnell is a target as a defender alongside Tatum and Brown. He was second in the NBA in steals per game and mostly came off the bench. Close to the salary cap, the Celtics could probably afford him and could offer him a bigger role.

In a trade, the C’s can include Thompson’s $10 million contract in a trade. If the Clippers are ready to move on from him, another defensive guard to pursue may be Patrick Beverley. Both contracts are for one year, but Thompson’s contract is $4 million less than Beverley’s. Additionally, the Clippers may look to shore up their center rotation and save money to re-sign Kawhi Leonard and Reggie Jackson.

Both players would add a level of toughness to the Celtics that is present on most title-contending teams.