As the Boston Celtics navigate a 5-6 start and a season of retooling without Jayson Tatum, the trade rumor mill is beginning to churn. A fascinating hypothetical three-team trade proposed by NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints envisions the Celtics making a strategic move to acquire veteran scorer DeMar DeRozan from the Sacramento Kings.
In this complex scenario, the pieces would move as follows:
The Memphis Grizzlies receive: Anfernee Simons, Malik Monk, Jordan Walsh, a 2027 1st-round pick (via SAC), a top-3 protected 2029 1st-round pick (via SAC), and a 2026 2nd-round pick.
The Boston Celtics receive: DeMar DeRozan, Devin Carter, and a 2026 2nd-round pick.
The Sacramento Kings receive: Ja Morant and Baylor Scheierman.
For the Celtics, this trade represents a clear pivot. They would offload Anfernee Simons’ expiring contract and part with some young talent, but in return, they would acquire a proven, high-level scorer in DeRozan. Despite being 36 years old, DeRozan is still averaging a robust 20.8 points per game on 50% shooting from the field. He could seamlessly step into the veteran leadership void left by the departures of Al Horford and Jrue Holiday. Additionally, acquiring a young guard like Devin Carter provides a developmental asset for the future.
This kind of move would signal a desire from Boston to remain competitive and structured during Tatum’s absence, adding a reliable bucket-getter without committing to a long-term, max-salary player. While purely speculative, this framework highlights the type of creative, multi-team deal the Celtics’ front office might explore to reshape the roster.