‘Biggest Regret’: Celtics to trade a 24-year-old breakout guard

Almost everything went as planned for the Boston Celtics.

Despite everything that went well for them throughout the 2023-24 season, they may have regretted some of their decisions in retrospect. One option would be to trade Dalano Banton to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report outlined why he believes the Celtics’ decision to trade Banton is their “biggest regret.”

“The deal appeared to be structured to free up a roster slot for a buyout acquisition, making it more defendable. But Banton’s statistical explosion in Portland is the actual reason the Celtics may want to reconsider their decision,” Hughes wrote in an April 16 report.

Hughes then discussed how Banton’s breakout demonstrated that he could have helped Boston in the playoffs.

Banton, a 6’9″ point guard who can defend several positions, averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 29.2 minutes per game for the Blazers. Every second he spent in Portland was spent in low-stakes games, and Banton did not perform well with the Celtics before the deadline. However, his performance following the trade implies that he may have contributed if Boston had lost a key wing or guard to injury during the playoffs.

There had been no indication that Banton would play as brilliantly as he did when Portland gave him a chance. Banton has a team option for the 2024–25 season.

Joe Mazzulla Praises Dalano Banton’s Progress

Before the Celtics’ game against the Trail Blazers on April 7, Mazzulla praised Banton’s performance in Portland.

Mazzulla also discussed why the Trail Blazers were a better fit for him than the Celtics.

Joe Mazzulla to @RealBobManning on Banton's success: "Yeah, I don't he wish he was here. He did a great job, but the thing about the NBA is the situation and the opportunity that you get. He played his role and took advantage of the opportunities he got for us here, but he's… pic.twitter.com/NYMkAXLc7Z

— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) April 7, 2024

“He did a great job, but the thing about the NBA is the situation and the opportunity that you get,” Mazzulla remarked, according to the Celtics’ CLNS account. “He played his role and took use of the opportunities that came his way here, but he’s getting a lot more of them there, and he’s taking advantage of it. Just a testament to his hard ethic, and I’m pleased for him.”

When Banton arrived in Portland, his playing time more than tripled. He went from playing 7.1 minutes per game with the Celtics to 29.2 with the Trail Blazers. With his increased role on the Trail Blazers, he averaged 16.7 points per game, a career high.

Dalano Banton Reflects on Time With Celtics

Banton played a total of 24 games for the Celtics before being traded. Regardless of the move, Banton made it plain that he had nothing against the Celtics.

“I wasn’t bummed, man,” Banton told reporters on CLNS Media’s YouTube channel. “It’s the NBA, it’s the business side of things, and you just have to be able to handle whatever comes your way. We understand how it is as gamers. So it’s never something to be disappointed about. It was a fantastic opportunity with an excellent organization. I wish them the best.

A young player like Banton would not have received the opportunity he did with the Trail Blazers if he had played for a contending team such as the Celtics. The Celtics already had some familiar faces on the roster, as well as newcomers Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday.