How C’s 2024 trade deadline compares to others under Brad Stevens

How C’s 2024 trade deadline compares to others under Brad Stevens originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Thursday marked Brad Stevens’ third NBA trade deadline since replacing Danny Ainge as Boston Celtics president of basketball operations.

Stevens took over for Ainge in what was seen as a stunning move in June 2021. The former C’s coach had no prior front-office experience, so the transition left many feeling skeptical.

It’s safe to say Stevens has far exceeded expectations since replacing Ainge. The Celtics have reached the NBA Finals in his first season as president of basketball ops and reached Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals a year later. The quest for Banner 18 continues, but Boston hasn’t missed a beat since Ainge’s departure. That’s a credit to some of the outstanding moves Stevens has made over the last three years.

With another trade deadline in the books, here’s a look at the Celtics’ deadline moves during Stevens’ regime, along with grades for 2022 and 2023.

Stevens’ first deadline as Celtics president of basketball ops was a home run. In what turned out to be one of the best NBA trades in recent memory, Stevens sent Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford, and a top-four-protected 2022 first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Derrick White.

White was drafted by the Spurs in 2017. He averaged 11.6 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game in his career before the deal while shooting 44.5 percent from the floor (34.3 percent from 3) and playing outstanding defense.

On paper, that defensive prowess made him a solid fit alongside fellow defensive-minded guard Marcus Smart. He quickly ingratiated himself with the Celtics fanbase, far exceeding expectations and becoming a key part of Boston’s core.

Now in Year 3 with the team, White has developed into one of the most well-rounded players on the roster. The 29-year-old earned All-Star consideration as an All-Defensive talent who’s also capable of taking games over on the offensive…