The Boston Celtics need a third scorer, and Norman Powell of the Chicago Bulls could be the answer.
Brad Stevens has managed the team’s salary cap to avoid the luxury tax. A trade for Powell’s $21.5 million salary is complicated, but he could address the team’s offensive needs.
Scoring Gap in Boston
One glaring issue for the Celtics this season is the lack of a reliable third scorer. While Derrick White is capable of providing points, his scoring output has been inconsistent over the last year. The team needs a player who can consistently score double digits, ideally creating their own shot opportunities.
The Chicago Bulls may offer a solution. Fresh off his first All-Star season with the Miami Heat, Powell signed a two-year, $44 million contract with Chicago. However, he may not fit the Bulls’ developmental timeline.
Powell as the Target
Should the Bulls make Powell available, the Celtics should explore the trade, suggested Matt John of Hardwood Houdini.
“Payton Pritchard and Derrick White haven’t exactly been as dependable offensive complementary pieces,” John wrote. “And while they are definitely capable of doing more, they don’t have the scoring gravity that someone like Norman Powell would have.”
John highlighted Powell’s proven track record as a scorer. “Powell is a surefire 20-point scorer who has come through for multiple teams throughout his career, including Toronto, Portland, Los Angeles, and Miami,” he noted. “In Chicago, he’s not having the best season, but is that really a reflection of how weak the Bulls are as a whole?”
Statistics from the Bulls’ early season show Powell averaging 19.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, shooting 39.8% from the field.
The Financial Hurdle
While Powell appears to be a perfect fit for the Celtics’ offense, acquiring him presents significant financial challenges. His $21.5 million salary for this season would be difficult for Boston to match.
Stevens has spent the past 18 months maneuvering the team to reset the repeater tax. If the Celtics stay out of the luxury tax this season, Stevens’ goal is achieved. To match Powell’s salary, the team would likely have to part with Sam Hauser and another mid-tier contract—a type of asset that is scarce on Boston’s roster.
“The most obvious candidate would be Mitchell Robinson, but even with all his struggles, that is risky,” John continued. “Plus, either the Bulls would redirect Robinson elsewhere or would ask for assets on top of Robinson.”
Adam Taylor notes this financial obstacle. He notes that matching Powell’s salary presents serious hurdles for Stevens, who is actively working to reset the repeater tax. Taylor argues that a trade is unlikely to be feasible this season.
Trade Partnership Unlikely
Logistically, the Celtics do not appear to be a viable trade partner for Powell this season. Although Boston could involve a third team and Stevens could attempt a complex deal, the path is not clear.
Matt John suggested targeting Powell, but the financial obstacles make it a difficult proposition for the Celtics.
The Case for Standing Pat
Instead of pursuing a major trade, the Celtics would be wise to stand pat. The team has several young wings developing within its system. Given time and opportunity, one or two of these players could provide the additional scoring the team needs at a fraction of Powell’s cost.
This approach would allow the Celtics to reset the repeater tax this season, freeing up more financial flexibility to make more aggressive roster improvements in the summer and beyond. Taylor from Heavy argued for the Celtics to stand pat and develop their young wings rather than execute an expensive trade.
Celtics Monitor Market Before the Trade Deadline
The NBA trade deadline looms, but the Celtics’ path seems clear. They will continue to monitor the market but are unlikely to pursue Powell due to salary constraints. The focus will remain on internal development, with the team hoping its young wings can step up to fill the scoring void.
The next checkpoint for the Celtics is the upcoming trade deadline, after which their offseason plans to reinforce the roster will take shape.
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