NBA 18/19: 3 Trade targets for the Boston Celtics

Going into the 18/19 NBA season, the Boston Celtics were believed to be the team that would replace the Cleveland Cavaliers as the best team in the Eastern Conference. Last season, the Celtics were just one game away from an NBA Finals appearance, despite missing both Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, and the team looked as though they could provide a credible threat to the Warriors dominance.

Despite the early season optimism from both fans and analysts alike, the Celtics have been a huge disappointment. The team has won their last six games, although, before this run, the team looked disorganized and the Celtics had a 10-10 record after 20 games.

While the team is now firmly in the playoff hunt, they still look to be a long way behind the Toronto Raptors. Due to the Celtics huge roster, a number of player's such as Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown are being linked with a move away, so the Celtics may look to add one or two player's in the coming weeks. So here are three players that the Celtics could pursue before the trade deadline.

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#3 Otto Porter Jr.

Otto Porter Jr. is reportedly available for trade

The Washington Wizards are looking at a complete rebuild, and Otto Porter Jr. looks set for a trade this month. The Sacramento Kings have expressed initial interest in the 25-year-old, although the player himself will likely want to play for a contender.

The small forward has demonstrated his ability to play on a team full of ball dominant players such as Bradley Beal and John Wall, so the Wizards man should be comfortable in the Celtics system. His ability to hit the three-pointer would also be a major boost for the Celtics offense, although his huge contract may prove a stumbling block.

#2 Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis is constantly linked with the Celtics

The Boston Celtics have little chance of pulling off a deal to sign Anthony Davis, although you can be sure that they will try anyway. There is a new rumor linking Davis to Boston nearly every day, although, at this point, no credible sources have suggested that the center may actually leave the New Orleans Pelicans before the end of the season.

A Celtics trade for Davis is also further complicated by the 'Rose Rule'. The rule means that the Celtics would have to include Kyrie Irving in any deal for Davis, although the Rose Rule will expire if Irving is convinced to sign a new deal with the franchise in the summer.

Ultimately, the Celtics seem certain to make a move for Anthony Davis at some point in the next six months, and if Kyrie Irving makes it clear he is leaving the Celtics, Boston could be forced to make a move in the current trade window for Davis.

#1 Kevin Love

Kevin Love would boost the Celtics Championship aspirations

Just like with Otto Porter Jr., Kevin Love finds himself on a franchise that seems intent on a rebuild. The 30-year-old signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the summer, although this was when the Cavs still believed that they could compete without LeBron James. The team has since realized that they cannot, and Love is reportedly available for trade if the right offer comes in.

Kevin Love would provide the Celtics with a winning mentality, in addition, to help on both ends. Love is also known for his versatility, as the veteran is capable of playing at both center and power forward. A trade would take a number of player's and draft picks, although including the likes of Terry Rozier makes sense, as these are players who are likely to walk in free agency.