Celtics are potential suitor for Wizards forward Davis Bertans

98.5 The Sports Hub staff report

Although they're not alone in their pursuit, Trader Danny and the Celtics have emerged as a potential suitor for Wizards forward Davis Bertans, according to NBC Sports Washington's Chase Hughes.

A 6-foot-10 swingman, Bertans is in the midst of a definite career-year for Washington, averaging career-best marks in points (15.4), assists (1.7), rebounds (4.9), and minutes (29:57) per night in 28 games for the Wizards. The Latvian-born Bertans is also shooting a career-best 43.4 percent from beyond the arc this season.

As mentioned, the Celtics are not alone in their interest in the fourth-year forward, as it's believed that the Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Philadelphia 76ers are also making calls to D.C. in pursuit of Bertans.

The interest from around the league (and from some legitimate title contenders) is no surprise, really, as Bertans is showing signs of becoming a legitimate difference maker, is on an expiring deal, and has immense value as a big man who can shoot from deep.

But the biggest problem with any Bertans trade is that Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard isn't exactly rushing to trade Bertans. In fact, it would seem as if Sheppard is most interested in keeping Bertans in Washington beyond the 2019-20 season.

"We have every intention of retaining [Bertans]," Sheppard said in an interview last month. "He's the exact type of player we want to have in our organization. I think he wants to be here. Business will take care of itself.

"There's so much chit-chat in this league that gets out there. Most of it is contrived by the teams that would love to have Davis. Well, guess what? One of the teams that would have to have him, has him. We intend to keep him. We're excited about his growth."

But if and when that changes, it sure sounds like Ainge will be among those in the bidding war.