Mannix: ‘Boston in heavy in on Gordon, Barnes’ for potential trade targets

The Celtics seem determined to pick up a forward n the trade market.

The Boston Celtics remain focused on Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon and Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes as the 2021 NBA trade deadline draws near according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix.

Noting that the Celtics seem poised to use “some or all of its $28.5 million trade exception” generated by the departure of veteran forward Gordon Hayward in the offseason, Mannix relates that the team has “swapped offers with Orlando and have shown a willingness to deal All Defensive team guard Marcus Smart” to the likely chagrin of many fans. However it does not seem certain the Magic are locks to want to take on the Flower Mound native so readily.

The reasoning? It is “in part because Orlando has no interest in winning, in part because Smart may chafe at joining a rebuilding team,” according to the SI analyst.