Report identifies Celtics ‘primary target’ at NBA trade deadline

UPDATE: The Celtics made a pair of moves just before the trade deadline. Click here to read more about their trade of Dennis Schröder to the Rockets. Click here to read more about their salary-clearing move involving two bench pieces.

NBA trade deadline day is here, and the Celtics appear to have a plan. According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, the Celtics and president of basketball operations Brad Stevens have identified Orlando Magic forward Terrence Ross as a “primary target,” ahead of Thursday’s 3 p.m. deadline.

“The Celtics have been working the phones,” Washburn writes. “According to an NBA source, the club is working on a package to acquire Orlando swingman Terrence Ross, who has one more year left on his contract, with Dennis Schröder, another player and likely a draft pick headed to the Magic.”

Ross, who turned 31 last weekend, has seen a decreased role in Orlando as the season has gone on and the Magic prioritize getting younger players experience. He’s averaging 10.9 points while playing 24.5 minutes per game in 47 games off the bench, shooting 40.5 percent from the floor and 30.8 percent from three. Ross scored his season high of 33 points back on Jan. 2 against the Celtics at TD Garden.

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  The Celtics would get two years of team control on Ross' deal, which expires after the 2022-2023 season. He carries a $12.5 million cap hit this year, and an $11.5 million hit next year.
  
  Meanwhile, in Schröder the Magic would get a player on an expiring contract, freeing up cap space heading into the offseason. It's unclear what other players could be involved, although Romeo Langford and Aaron Nesmith's names have come up in rumors multiple times leading up to the deadline.
  
  If and what other player could end up being the difference in the deal getting across the finish line. "Ross is the Celtics’ primary target as trade talks intensify, but it’s uncertain what the Magic will want in return, and how many suitors will be in the running for Ross," Washburn says.
  
  Picked 8th overall by the Raptors in 2012, Ross spent five seasons in Toronto before being traded to Orlando for Serge Ibaka during the 2017 trade deadline. He won the Slam Dunk Contest in 2013.

• NBA: Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics

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  Jan 2, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams (12) defends Orlando Magic guard Terrence Ross (31) during the second half at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

• NBA: Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics

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  Jan 2, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Orlando Magic guard Terrence Ross (31) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second half at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

• NBA: Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic

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  Feb 6, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics guard Dennis Schroder (71) makes a three pointer against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
• NBA: Boston Celtics at New York Knicks

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  May 16, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Aaron Nesmith (26) shields the ball Boston Celtics New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (4) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

• NBA: Boston Celtics at Minnesota Timberwolves

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  Dec 27, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Boston Celtics guard Romeo Langford (9) dunks the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports

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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.