A few days ago news broke that defensive stalwart Avery Bradley was to be packing his bags and leaving the Boston Celtics.
This was due to the fact that he had been traded to the Detroit Pistons, along with a second round pick and was being exchanged for 27-year-old Marcus Morris.
Now this trade is a significant one for many reasons. One of them being that Avery was one of the best players on the roster. There’s no question that he’s a brilliant defensive piece, but over the years he has enhanced his game to the point where he is now a two-way player. This status as a two-way man means the loss on Boston’s behalf is even bigger.
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Another more sentimental reason for the significance of this trade is the fact that Avery is a beloved individual on the Celtics scene. The fans have developed a strong following for him because of his constant display of heart, as every night he acted as a living embodiment of the Boston spirit.
And from the player’s perspective this is a big change. Avery was certainly one of the senior players on the roster, as he was the longest-serving Celtic during his final season. I’m sure his presence will be missed in the locker room as well as in the hearts of the fans.
The Bradley trade to Detroit was more than any transaction. It was in fact a shift in the fabric of the Boston roster. A shift, to be expected when any key locker room entity or long serving player leaves.
So where does this leave the Celtics? Well, even though Bradley was lost Danny Ainge has ensured the C’s remain stocked up with talent. A direct result of this transaction was the acquiring of Marcus Morris, a man who put up solid numbers last season with 14 points per game whilst shooting 41.8% from the field.
Morris is also a player who standing at 6’9 tall will add much-needed height to this small Boston team, and I’m sure that his tough and gritty playing style will help him fit right in.
A knock on effect of this trade was the cap space to go out and recruit superstar Gordon Hayward. There’s no doubt that Hayward will really add to this team, and could potentially be the piece the Celtics need to go over the Cavaliers in the East.
There is also a good group of guards in Boston already, hence why Bradley was deemed expendable. There is of course, Isaiah Thomas, as well as younger players Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier who will benefit from the extra minutes. If they can get some consistent performances those two in particular may flourish next year.
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So, by off loading Avery Bradley the Celtics were able to recruit a superstar talent, as well as enhancing the depth of the forward position with Marcus Morris. Of course we will miss watching Avery lock down the league’s elite, but it appears that this trade was one where Danny Ainge may have just won.