Boston, Philadelphia and San Antonio are approaching Thursday’s trade deadline from markedly different positions, according to league sources cited by ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel.
Celtics free to stay patient
Boston’s ownership has not instructed president of basketball operations Brad Stevens to trim the club’s luxury-tax bill, sources told Siegel. Without financial pressure, the Celtics can remain selective rather than reactive in any talks.
Guard Anfernee Simons is viewed around the league as the team’s most realistic trade chip if Boston identifies a significant front-court upgrade. Simons has performed well in his first season with the Celtics, and the club has outpaced most external expectations. Unless a clear upgrade emerges, Boston is expected to stand pat.
Sixers take calls on Andre Drummond
The 76ers are listening to offers for veteran center Andre Drummond, who is on an expiring $5 million contract. Dealing Drummond would move Philadelphia below the luxury-tax line after the variance credit generated by Paul George’s suspension, Siegel reported.
Drummond has remained productive in limited minutes, and the Houston Rockets have shown interest. Houston lost Steven Adams for the season following ankle surgery and is seeking additional depth in the middle.
Spurs monitor available big men
The San Antonio Spurs are surveying the market for front-court help. Of the players the Orlando Magic have made available to drop below the tax, 26-year-old center Goga Bitadze has attracted the most attention, with San Antonio joining the Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks among the interested teams.
San Antonio is also tracking Robert Williams of the Trail Blazers. Siegel added that injured Portland wing Matisse Thybulle could become a buyout candidate if he is not moved by Thursday. For the Spurs, the focus is on depth and flexibility rather than a headline-grabbing move.
Source: Hoops Wire
