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After their defeat in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics will look to make major moves in the ongoing off-season. With NBA Trade Rumors linking many of their players with moves away, the Celtics could have a very different roster next season.
NBA Trade Rumors: 5 players unlikely to return to the
Boston Celtics for the 2020-21 season
On that note, here are five players who are not likely to play for the Boston Celtics in the 2020-21 NBA season.
#1 Gordon Hayward
Despite being in his prime age-wise, Gordon Hayward hasn't performed up to expectations after getting injured in his first game for the Celtics against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017.
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Hayward has a player option this offseason, and there is the possibility that he won't exercise it. The Boston Celtics will also be looking to get rid of Hayward's contract, and NBA trade rumors suggest that multiple franchises will be looking to add him on a negotiated salary.
This would allow the Boston Celtics to work with more cap space and get a role player or a veteran to occupy Gordon Hayward's spot.
#2 Enes Kanter
Turkish center Enes Kanter had a mixed year for the Boston Celtics, as he played a key role for the team in the regular season but didn't feature a lot in the playoffs. Kanter has a player option in his contract for the upcoming season, and it is likely that the dominant big will choose a team that will offer him a better deal than the Boston Celtics.
Already a part of NBA trade rumors, Kanter will have multiple suitors in the off-season, as the backup center is a position that a lot of teams will look to strengthen. He will also look for a team that will be willing to play him in the postseason as he looks to prolong his career in the NBA.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: 5 players who desperately need to change teams to revive their careers
#3 Romeo Langford
Caught between the G-League and the back of the bench throughout his rookie campaign with the Boston Celtics, Romeo Langford has not fulfilled his potential in the NBA. A typical 2-way athletic wing, Langford put up per-game averages of 16.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 45 percent shooting from the floor.
According to NBA trade rumors, the Celtics won't hesitate including Langford in prospective trade packages. Boston have a plethora of wings, and it doesn't look like Langford is going to be a part of Brad Stevens' plans.
#4 Marcus Smart
Marcus Smart is one of the most versatile players the league has to offer. Averaging 12.9 points, 4.9 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game on 35 percent shooting from deep this season, he is the definition of a Swiss Army Knife.
Smart came up big for the Boston Celtics this year. He thrived in the sixth man role in the regular season, and then effortlessly slid into the first team in the postseason when Gordon Hayward picked up an injury.
It’s evident that the Boston Celtics need to strengthen their roster in order to get over the hump in the Eastern Conference. According to NBA trade rumors, the Celtics are looking to add a big-time player, and it is likely going to cost them Marcus Smart.
#5 Brad Wanamaker
Brad Wanamaker acted as a backup to Kemba Walker, and played some important minutes for Brad Stevens in the playoffs. He was especially critical in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Toronto Raptors, as he made plays in the half court and shot his threes at a decent clip.
However, with multiple ball handlers in the team, Wanamaker might be deemed surplus to needs. Carsen Edwards is expected to step up in the back-up point guard role, which will prompt Danny Ainge and the front office to take a decision on Brad Wanamaker's future.
It looks like the Boston Celtics will go for the kill, and Wanamaker will most likely be used as trade chip this off-season.
