Here's What's Noteworthy About Celtics Trading Dalano Banton

The Celtics acquired Xavier Tillman and Jaden Springer and parted with Lamar Stevens and Dalano Banton before the trade deadline passed. The latter may signal Boston's not done adding.

On Thursday, the Boston Celtics swung two deals just before the trade deadline buzzer.

They acquired Jaden Springer from the Philadelphia 76ers for a second-round pick. The former first-round pick will quickly endear himself to Celtics fans. The 21-year-old wing brings an infusion of energy and athleticism, and he's a disruptive defender.

Boston also parted with Dalano Banton, trading him to the Portland Trail Blazers for a heavily protected second-round selection, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The long-limbed Swiss army knife, listed at six-foot-nine or six-foot-seven depending on where you look, averaged 2.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and nearly an assist per contest in 24 appearances and 7.1 minutes of floor time in his brief stint with the C's.

Even with the Celtics trading Lamar Stevens, under contract for $2.1 million, to land Xavier Tillman, who's on the books for $1.9 million, as a team over the second apron, shedding any amount of payroll is felt by the organization.

That's especially true after adding Springer, even with him only making $2.2 million for the 2023-24 campaign.

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So, perhaps Boston rerouting Banton was strictly about the financials.

However, the move also preserves an opening on its roster ahead of the buyout market heating up.

Among players who may become available through that method, Otto Porter Jr. is someone the Celtics reportedly had an interest in acquiring leading up to the trade deadline.

The third overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft went from the Toronto Raptors to the Utah Jazz in a deal sending Kelly Olynyk to the former.

The Raptors are 18-33 and 12th in the Eastern Conference standings, so perhaps Porter pushes for a buyout.

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Due to injuries, the 30-year-old forward has played only 23 games since joining Toronto in the summer of 2022. But the former Georgetown Hoya contributed to the Golden State Warriors beating Boston in the 2022 NBA Finals. He figures to have multiple suitors interested in his services if he becomes a free agent.

Converting Neemias Queta from a two-way to a full-time deal seems unlikely after acquiring Tillman, but in preserving roster flexibility, it's an option the Celtics still have.

However, if they fill that vacancy, signing a veteran free agent like Porter if he becomes available, is more realistic.

Further Reading

Celtics Swing Savvy Deal with 76ers for Jaden Springer

Celtics React to Xavier Tillman Trade: 'We Paid a Lot of Attention to Him'

Celtics Strike Deal for Grizzlies Center

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Jayson Tatum Shares What Went Through His Mind Seeing Celtics Fans Celebrate Marcus Smart

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Celtics Finding Joy in Basketball and Each Other's Company: 'We've Been Blessed'

Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'