Insider: Celtics Trade For Grizzlies All-Star Would Give Them One Of ‘Most Ridiculous Defensive Groups In NBA History’
It was reported on Wednesday that the Boston Celtics would “love” to trade for Memphis Grizzlies All-Star big man Jaren Jackson Jr.
Celtics beat writer John Karalis of the Boston Sports Journal said on Thursday that while he didn’t see the possible deal as very likely, the team would have a historic defensive unit if they pulled the trigger.
“From a pure basketball fit, Jackson would be a fantastic fit with the Celtics. He’s 26, a former Defensive Player of the Year who protects the rim at an elite level, and a league-average 3-point shooter over the past two seasons,” Karalis wrote. “Put him on the floor with (Jaylen) Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White and you have one of the most ridiculous defensive groups in NBA history.”
The insider continued that while there are “plenty of three-team scenarios that could make some sense” to land JJJ, the result would make the roster makeup “incredibly expensive.”
“They would pay Tatum, Brown, Jackson, and White a combined $195 million. That leaves less than $30 million between those four players and the second apron, so getting Jackson would certainly put Boston back over,” Karalis said. “It’s all possible, but how probable is it? I’m going to say not very.”
For now, Celtics fans can only dream of adding Jackson Jr., who is a three-time member of an NBA All-Defense team, two-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year.
Derrick White has two All-Defense honors to his credit and leads Boston this season in blocks (1.5) and steals per game (1.3).