The Boston Celtics could opt for a cheaper deal before the deadline, with New Orleans Pelicans center Omer Asik emerging as a trade target for the Cs.
It could only be a matter of time before the Celtics strike a deal prior to the February 2017 trade deadline. The Celtics are still looking to improve their roster, and are in position to make major trades, considering the assets the team has.
However, if the Celtics fail to acquire big names available in the trade market, targeting second-tier players who could address the team's rebounding needs could also be on the table for Boston. A. Sherrod Blakely of CSN New England explored the possibility of the Celtics acquiring New Orleans Pelicans center Omer Asik, who is "very much available."
"Omer Asik, the rim-protecting big man who has not been nearly as impactful in the Big Easy as he was in Chicago, is very much available a league source has told CSNNE.com," Blakely wrote.
The Celtics not only need a big man who can crash the boards, but also someone who could boost the team's interior defense. Asik could fill in at that void, allowing Al Horford to flourish offensively at the four spot.
Asik has yet to make an impact in New Orleans in this season, only averaging 3.2 points and 5.9 rebounds a game off the bench. But playing for a talented team like the Celtics may bring the best out of the 30-year-old center.
Trading a pair of frontcourt pieces in Jonas Jerebko and Kelly Olynyk could get a deal done for the Celtics. Both are young pieces who could suit well playing alongside Davis, allowing the latter to play heavy minutes at the power forward position.
Celtics general manager Danny Ainge reportedly prefers to acquire someone who could be a factor in "late-game offense," which means a proven star like Paul George and Jimmy Butler. But if the Celtics fail to land big names before the deadline, trading for Asik could be a viable option for Boston.
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