Check Up: NBA Trade Rumors! Ft. Fung Bros
Either the Boston Celtics really want to trade the third overall pick of the NBA Draft, or they just want a star player. The Celtics are shopping their top draft choice to several teams. The Milwaukee Bucks are the latest club, according to reports.
According to NESN, the Celtics are in discussions with the Milwaukee Bucks to trade for swingman Khris Middleton. The Celtics are using the No. 3 pick as a lure to try and get a deal done. Khris Middleton is the next name being linked to the Celtics No. 3 pick. With how fast the NBA trade rumors are coming out, it is certain that he will not be the last player mentioned with the Celtics.
The list of players the Celtics have rumored interest in trading for includes Jimmy Butler, Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel, among others. It is believed that by adding one of those players in a trade, the Celtics will be inserted as one of the Eastern Conference favorites. For the Celtics to add a star player or someone on the verge to team with their solid young nucleus has been on the Celtics minds for months. It is evident by how frequently they have been named in the NBA trade rumors which have only escalated since Game 7 of the NBA Finals was over.
What is also clear is the fact that the Celtics are not satisfied with their options for the third overall pick. There are players who can help the Celtics at No. 3, but the interest level does not seem mutual. That has led to the constant trade rumors for the Celtics draft pick.
The Celtics reportedly have talked with the Bucks about a trade for Khris Middleton. https://t.co/A44T6MFqHf pic.twitter.com/jSdOoUSUTp
NESN (@NESN) June 21, 2016
With all-star point guard Isaiah Thomas in place for the Celtics, there is little to no need for Providence guard Kris Dunn. As for Dragan Bender, it may take years for him to develop. The Celtics can ill-afford a developmental player at this stage. It is possible that the Celtics would be better off keeping the No. 3 pick and drafting Kris Dunn. If the Celtics are serious about making a real run in the East, they must trade the pick for Jimmy Butler, Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, or Khris Middleton.
If it is true that the Celtics are kicking the tires on the idea of bringing in Khris Middleton from the Bucks, it means that they are serious.
Khris Middleton is a really good player. Because he plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, it is difficult to realize it. His averages of 18.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game during the season is not enough to influence anyone. If not, Middletons advance statistics of.560 true shooting percentage and 6.1 total win shares should do the trick.
Khris Middleton had a usage rate of 23.0.
In comparison, the New Yorks Knicks Carmelo Anthony had a true shooting percentage of.530, with a 6.4 win share on a 29.7 usage rate.
The numbers are very similar with the exception of the overall usage rating. Another difference is their points per 36 minutes. Middleton is set at 18.1, while Anthony was 22.4. Carmelo Anthony is the closest comparison to Khris Middleton based on body type and style of play. If the Celtics were to add someone with the type of production that Middleton brings it would be a huge haul. And, he would come to the Celtics at a much lesser price.
Should Celtics Trade No. 3 Pick For Khris Middleton? VIDEO: https://t.co/feQBcHFcNF via @YouTube
hoanghuan (@hoanghuan9132) June 22, 2016
If the Celtics acquired Middleton, they inherit a modest $15.2 million contract. Another plus is he would only be 25 years-old at the start of the regular season.
Would Khris Middleton be enough to get the Boston Celtics over the hump?
Defensively, Middleton has a ways to go. Opponents can drive to the basket on him, using lateral quickness to get there. As long as he would be willing to work at his defense, Khris Middleton would be alright.
At the end of the day, making a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks is a fallback option for the Celtics. Their top choice is the Chicago Bulls Jimmy Butler. According to Bleacher Report, Jimmy Butler remains on the Celtics radar.
Because of this, the Boston Celtics are expected to go all in for Butler. If the Celtics fail to get Jimmy Butler, the Milwaukee Bucks Khris Middleton is not too shabby of an option.
What will the Boston Celtics do with the No. 3 pick?
[Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images]
Source: http://www.inquisitr.com/3229471/nba-trade-rumors-boston-celtics-in-discussions-for-the-bucks-khris-middleton/
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