NBA Trade Rumors: The Boston Celtics could try to pry Justise Winslow (via trade) away from the Portland Trail Blazers in-season.
Coming off a trip to the NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics are a team in the Eastern Conference that will have plenty of pressure. This is a team – and roster – that seems primed to win a championship and that’s the next step for this franchise.
During the offseason, the Celtics have done everything they can to help this team accomplish that. And we saw that with making the big splash of acquiring Malcolm Brogdon via trade from the Indiana Pacers and then signing Danilo Gallinari in free agency.
The Boston Celtics may not be done upgrading their roster
Though, the Celtics may not be done in trying to make upgrades. One player that could be of interest to the Celtics is Justise Winslow.
Winslow is entering the final year of his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers and could be a player that they elect to move at the NBA Trade Deadline – especially if they don’t plan on re-signing him to a long-term extension during the offseason.
Presumably, Winslow will be looking for some sort of financial security. He’s just 26 years old and is still looking for a long-term home. After just playing in 11 games last season with the Blazers last season, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he could be moved.
Last season with the Blazers, Winslow averaged 11 points and six rebounds per game in a little more than 25 minutes per game. He still struggled with his offensive game overall, but is a good defender and could offer some options there for a contending team like the Celtics.
Winslow would offer Boston insurance and flexibility. Winslow is one of the most versatile defenders in the league and that’s how he made a name for himself early in his career.
If the Blazers stumble to start the season, Winslow could be one of the more sought-after wings on the trade market. Though, I have a hard time seeing the Blazers not letting this experiment with Winslow play out a bit more before coming to the conclusion of trading him.