Trade Rumors Won't Help The Celtics Turn Things Around

Trade rumors are never good for team chemistry. When you're already a game under .500, it can only make things worse.

That's where the Boston Celtics are right now -- in the middle of a losing season and hearing names thrown around in trade rumors.

The Athletic's Shams Charania reported earlier this week the Celtics had shown some interest in being a knight in shining armor and rescuing Ben Simmons from Philadelphia in a trade. That report also said the Sixers wanted Jaylen Brown as the centerpiece.

Players can pretend all they want, but this is not noise they can block out.

Rumor Has It...

It wasn't that long ago Marcus Smart called out the Celtics' two biggest stars in Brown and Jayson Tatum for not passing enough. "Every team knows we're trying to go to Jayson and Jaylen," Smart said after the 128-114 loss to the Bulls. "Every team is programmed and studied to stop Jayson and Jaylen. I think everybody's scouting report is to make those guys pass the ball. They don't want to pass the ball."

First off, this trade wouldn't be an upgrade for the Celtics, so take it with a grain of salt. Simmons would add the playmaking they need, but the Brown-Tatum duo has too much talent to give up on yet.

Plus, as with all trade rumors, this one has a long way to go, if it happens at all.

That means Celtics President Brad Stevens had to have a little conversation with Brown about the rumors to smooth this whole thing over.

“I just walked up to Jaylen and said, ‘Hey, your name’s all over the place, as you know. Obviously, from our standpoint, you’re a Celtic and a guy that we obviously think exceptionally high of, and, you know, nothin’ doin’,'” Stevens said Thursday on 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston. “I just wanted to make sure he had that peace of mind.”

One Win Goes A Long Way

Peace of mind may be the intent, but will it be enough? With the Bucks up next, Boston has a chance to win at home against a depleted Milwaukee team just trying to tread water for the time being.

The 5-6 (6-5 ATS) Celtics have covered in their last four games, while Milwaukee is just 2-6 to the over this year.

A cover works if you're a Celtics backer Friday night, but in Boston, they need a strong win to calm this storm.