The Boston Celtics are trying to keep their heads up despite the number of criticisms they received this season. With the injury of Marcus Smart derailing the NBA team, the other players are expected to step up. However, it looks like the Boston Celtics stars are struggling to keep their footing. At the moment, rumors are surfacing regarding the possible exit of Jared Sullinger and David Lee. Danny Ainge is said to be actively searching for a capable NBA star to take on the struggling roster and improve it.

The NBA star who reportedly caught the Boston Celtics president of basketball operations' eye is DeMarcus Cousins. The Sacramento Kings star, albeit known for his explosive emotions in the hardwood court, could bring the much-needed boost in the Isaiah Thomas squad. Moreover, the tumultuous relationship of Cousins with head coach George Karl could push this trade into fruition. Speculations disclosed that the Boston Celtics are prepared to trade Jared Sullinger, David Lee, and a 2018 draft pick in exchange for the Sacramento Kings player.

"I think the one thing that we could really use is a go-to scorer," shared Ainge on the Toucher & Rich show, according to Mass Live. The Boston Celtics exec added, "I think that's a problem in any locker room," Ainge replied. "There's a time -- first of all, we have good character on our team right now and we have some mature kids, even though we don't have an old team. I don't think it's ever a good idea to have players that are disruptive to your team, on the court and off the court."

Throughout the season, the Boston Celtics have been an impressive basketball team in terms of their defense. However, the NBA team face challenges in their offense - with only a handful of players successfully making points. As exhibited by the success of the Golden State Warriors, converting defense efforts to points in the scoreboard is crucial. Without Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson racking up points, the NBA champs are definitely out of the running. With the latest comments of Ainge, it appears that the Boston Celtics are looking to see how they can replicate such strategy.

"We have some guys that have carried us -- Kelly (Olynyk has) carried us, Avery (Bradley has) carried us, Isaiah (Thomas has) carried us, (Jared Sullinger has) carried us at moments during the season, Evan Turner has carried us," said Ainge. He added, "But we have got to -- it would be nice to find another player that's a reliable scorer at the end of games, night in and night out."

Meanwhile, Crowder pointed out the potential cause of concern for the Boston Celtics losses. He said via ESPN, "I don't think we're playing with the same type of swagger. [The Hawks] started building that swagger within themselves; you started hearing them yell and talk and be excited. We don't show any passion, any excitement anymore. We have to get back to that."The Boston Celtics recently lost to the Atlanta Hawks 109-101.