The Boston Celtics lack a third scorer capable of consistently providing at least 10 points per game.
While Derrick White could fulfill this role, his offensive output has been inconsistent over the last 12 months. The Chicago Bulls may offer a solution in Norman Powell, a player who could become available before the trade deadline. Powell, fresh off his first All-Star season with the Miami Heat, signed a two-year, $44 million deal with Chicago but does not fit the Bulls’ developmental timeline.
According to Matt John of Hardwood Houdini, the Celtics should evaluate Powell if the Bulls make him available. Payton Pritchard and Derrick White haven’t exactly been as dependable offensive complementary pieces, and while they are definitely capable of doing more, they don’t have the scoring gravity that someone like Norman Powell would have
, John wrote. Powell is averaging 19.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game this season, shooting 39.8% from the field.
On paper, Powell would be an ideal fit for the Celtics’ offense. However, a trade would be complicated by his $21.5 million salary this season. Boston President Brad Stevens has spent the past 18 months maneuvering to reset the repeater tax, and keeping the team under the luxury tax threshold is a primary goal.
To acquire Powell, the Celtics would need to match his salary, which would likely involve parting ways with Sam Hauser and another mid-tier contract, a type of asset that is scarce on their roster.
The Bulls would likely redirect any incoming player, such as Mitchell Robinson, or demand additional assets. This makes it difficult for Boston to be a viable trade partner for Powell this season. While involving a third team is a possibility, it remains uncertain.
In lieu of a major trade, the Celtics are advised to stand pat. The team has several young wings developing within the system who could provide additional scoring at a fraction of the cost. By remaining patient, the Celtics can reset the repeater tax this season and pursue more aggressive roster improvements in the summer.
