The Boston Celtics have become a prime example this offseason of how the NBA’s strict collective bargaining rules can force even top-tier teams to make tough roster decisions. Following back-to-back seasons above the second tax apron, the Celtics dealt away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis and lost Luke Kornet in free agency to the Spurs. With Al Horford potentially heading to Golden State once Jonathan Kuminga’s free agency is resolved, Boston could now capitalize on another team’s financial squeeze.
According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the Philadelphia 76ers are actively trying to move Kelly Oubre and/or Andre Drummond to clear enough cap space to re-sign restricted free agent Quentin Grimes while staying below the first apron.
“There’s been ongoing chatter all summer about Philly looking to move Oubre or Drummond,” Fischer reported. “If they pull off a deal before training camp, it could give them the room to make a stronger offer to Grimes.”
This creates an opportunity for the Celtics to potentially acquire one of those players at a bargain though the fan reaction could be explosive, especially if the move is seen as underwhelming or inconsistent with the team’s direction.
Should the Celtics Trade for Andre Drummond?
While Kelly Oubre might be the more talented player between him and Andre Drummond, the Celtics have no shortage of wings most of whom are younger talents in need of development time. With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury and Boston’s title hopes likely on pause, this season presents a valuable opportunity to evaluate prospects like Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, Josh Minott, and first-round rookie Hugo Gonzalez. Giving these players meaningful minutes could shape the future of the roster more than adding a veteran wing like Oubre.
Adding Oubre would not only crowd an already full position group, but it would also unnecessarily increase the team’s luxury tax bill. Drummond, on the other hand, fills a more practical need as a big man. While Boston has depth at center Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, Xavier Tillman Sr., Chris Boucher, and Amari Williams each option comes with question marks. Tillman is looking to bounce back after a disappointing season, Boucher is more natural at power forward, and Williams is raw and expected to spend time in the G League.
Drummond, despite being 32 and limited offensively to scoring near the rim, is still productive. Last season, he averaged 7.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.0 block in under 19 minutes per game for the Sixers. His presence could stabilize the frontcourt, but acquiring him via trade even for a heavily protected second-round pick might not be the best use of Boston’s limited assets.
In short, while a Drummond trade wouldn’t cost much and could make some sense on paper, the Celtics may be better served preserving financial flexibility and prioritizing younger talent with long-term upside.
