Potential trade fits for Celtics

When Rajon Rondo was lost for the season with a torn ACL, many thought the Celtics would have a hard time competing. But the team went on its longest win streak of the season without Rondo, prompting Kevin Garnett to wonder “what Danny [Ainge] and upper management has up their sleeves as far as making this team better.’’ No matter if Ainge is looking to stock up for a playoff run or build toward the future, he’s going to have to do it soon with the trade deadline rapidly approaching on Thursday. The following players may be good fits in Boston if the Celtics decide to make a deal.

Josh Smith, Hawks

The Celtics are one of a handful of teams rumored to be in on Smith, who is on the books for $13.2 million this season. One trade rumor has the Celtics salivating over Smith and willing to offer Brandon Bass and Jeff Green in return for the power forward. Yahoo! Sports reports that there is a strong belief Smith will be moved and lists the Celtics as one of a handful of possible destinations. Another scenario might be for the Celtics to sign Smith as a free agent in the offseason, but that move would require the Celtics to clear salary off the books beforehand.

Dwight Howard, Lakers

How’s this for a blockbuster rumor? Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak denied a rumor that he and Ainge have discussed sending Dwight Howard to the Celtics in exchange for the injured Rondo. Howard will be a free agent, so the potential deal would be a rental for the Celtics and a risk for the Lakers, who don’t know how quickly Rondo will recover from a torn ACL. There’s also the rather large issue of Howard’s ego.

Samuel Dalembert, Bucks

Dalembert was a prized free agent in 2011, signing a two-year deal with Houston. A trade to Milwaukee has led to a decrease in playing time this season, though the Bucks have been using their center more of late, possibly to increase his trade value. Dalembert’s price would be less than some of the other players on this list and, given that his contract is up after the season, his acquisition would indicate the Celtics want to win now. He is exactly the kind of player Garnett was thinking of when he talked about someone who could help the team in the short term.

J.J. Redick, Magic

Redick’s name has been floated in Celtics trade rumors because the former Duke product fits the bill of something Boston needs. Redick is a standout shooter who can provide scoring off the bench. He’s also 6-feet-4-inches tall and a better defender than he gets credit for. Orlando would like to move him only if they can improve their team for the future, and it’s not sure if there’s a trade match here, especially considering the improved play of Courtney Lee and Jason Terry of late.

Timofey Mozgov, Nuggets

Mozgov hasn’t gotten the playing time (10.3 minutes per in 29 games) he was hoping for this season, and his expiring contract could make him an attractive trade piece. He’s a true center at 7-feet-1-inch and could provide help for the Celtics on the front line, a position of weakness. Mozgov has never averaged more than 5.4 points and 4.1 rebounds in a season.

Ben Gordon, Bobcats

The money may be prohibitive, but Gordon fits the mold of a scorer off the bench that could give the Celtics an extra boost on a playoff run. Gordon is averaging 12.9 points in 22 minutes per game this season, and he’s drawn interest from the Nets, who are looking to make a playoff run themselves.

Eric Bledsoe, Clippers

The most public rumor concering the Celtics revolved around Garnett and Los Angeles Clippers point guard Eric Bledsoe. Swapping Garnett for Bledsoe and another piece or two would be a sign that the Celtics are throwing in the towel for this season and looking toward the future. Bledsoe is a good player, and if teammate DeAndre Jordan was included in the deal, the Celtics would gain two building blocks. Losing Garnett, however, would pretty much take the Celtics out of contention this season. Garnett has also said he will not waive his no-trade clause to go to Los Angeles.

DeMarcus Cousins, Kings center

The 5th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, Cousins has the talent to be a franchise center, but questions about his attitude may have him on the trading block. The Celtics may not want to bring on a player who would disrupt their chemistry, but without the attitude issues, Cousins wouldn’t be available at all. It’s going to take a big haul to get Cousins, who is a threat to get 20 points and 10 rebounds every night.

Al Jefferson, Jazz center

Jefferson was the key piece in the trade that brought Kevin Garnett to the Celtics in 2007. He’s one of the best offensive big men in the game, though his defensive rating has been among the worst in the league this season. Still, he’d provide help for Garnett, and Utah might be willing to part with him with a logjam at power forward knowing that they can’t re-sign everyone next year.

Kevin Love, Timberwolves power forward

This one is kind of a pipe dream, but the NBA’s premier rebounder can opt out of his contract after next season. Minnesota could be tempted to trade Love and get something for him rather than lose him outright, considering they’re not a contender at this point. Would you swap a healthy Rajon Rondo for Love in the fall? That’s the kind of move that could inspire some serious debate come November, when Love should be healthy as well.

Marcin Gortat, Suns center

Gortat is a big man with a mean streak. The 6-foot-11 center would give the Celtics the muscle they’re seeking down low, though Boston would likely need to part with a key piece to get him. True centers are rare in today’s NBA, and Gortat’s value is high.

Paul Millsap, Utah Jazz power forward

Depending on whom the Jazz want to keep next season, Millsap is one of the Jazz’s power forwards who could be available in a trade. Millsap’s $7.2 million contract is up after this season, so he’d be a partial-season rental. Millsap has also been linked in a potential deal for the Clippers’ Eric Bledsoe, which shows just how fluid these trade situations are.

Derrick Williams, Wolves forward

Williams has not lived up to being the second overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and is averaging single-digits in points and fewer than five rebounds per game. The situation is ripe for a trade, and the Celtics might do well to take a chance on Williams.

Greg Monroe, Pistons center

There’s no indication the Pistons are willing to give up on their talented young center, but with the drafting of Andre Drummond in the first round of the 2012 draft, Detroit has an excess of big men and is still not a contender. Maybe the Celtics can pry Monroe away.

Robin Lopez, Hornets power forward

The Hornets are a long way away from contending, and Lopez could be a good trade chip for them in acquiring draft picks or young talent to play alongside Eric Gordon and Anthony Davis. Lopez played big minutes in the absence of Davis earlier this season and averaged double-digit points.