Can Markkanen Assist Celtics Earlier than Tatum Arrives?

The Boston Celtics remodeled from a championship workforce to a daily mainstay after Jayson Tatum was sidelined for the entire season with an Achilles harm. It’s evident of their rocky 5-6 begin, which is making them battle to remain aggressive for the time being.

However, there may be nonetheless hope on the horizon, and that might come within the type of Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen.

Boston Celtics Face Tough Season After Offseason Departures

The Celtics entered this season lacking a number of key names. Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Kristaps Porzingis all moved on by way of trades or signings, leaving evident gaps in each the protection and scoring depth. At the identical time, franchise star Jayson Tatum continues to be working his means again from an Achilles tear that has put an extra damper on the workforce’s playoff aspirations.

According to Heavy, analysts predict Boston will use this season to recalibrate, focusing internally and making ready for future roster strikes. When Tatum will get again to full energy subsequent yr, the Celtics may return to kind, supplied they lastly fill their largest hole: a talented, floor-spacing massive man.

Celtics Linked to Lauri Markkanen

The Lauri Markkanen-to-Boston rumors have made their rounds for months. The 7-footer, a genuinely elite shooter and a strong defender, is the prototype of the trendy massive man who suits completely with the system in Boston. And, after all, if Neemias Queta emerges as a dependable rim protector, Markkanen’s offensive spacing may shine lots brighter alongside Boston’s core.

Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix described Markkanen as “born to play in this Celtics system” and theorized {that a} frontcourt that includes him, Tatum, and Jaylen Brown may “reconstitute a potential Celtics dynasty.” But the Finnish star will not come low cost.

Markkanen at present averages 28.3 factors and 6.1 rebounds and is below contract for a number of extra seasons on a steep wage close to $50 million per yr. Any deal would profit Boston to half with important belongings, which embrace draft capital, to fulfill Jazz executives Danny Ainge and Austin Ainge.

Proposed Trade Could Bring Markkanen to Boston

Pulling off a commerce earlier than the offseason could be advanced however not unattainable. One mock commerce state of affairs outlines the potential path the place Lauri Markkanen goes to the Boston Celtics in change for Anfernee Simons, Payton Pritchard, Luka Garza, Sam Hauser, a 2027 first-round decide, a 2031 first-round decide, and a 2032 first-round decide swap.

The commerce would give Utah younger expertise and a number of draft belongings, aligning with their rebuild technique. Boston, in the meantime, will get the elite scorer it desperately wants.