Boston Celtics: 3 off-season Carsen Edwards trades

In this trade, the Boston Celtics are able to get a player with a winning pedigree in both his collegiate and professional career. Jalen Brunson is an upgrade as an asset from Edwards, meaning it will take draft considerations to get the conversation started with the Dallas Mavericks.

Brunson was a National Champion as the starting point guard on the 2015-16 Villanova Wildcats. While his first season alongside Luka Dioncic had 16 more losses than wins, Dallas has become a playoff contender in his second season. Despite playing four less minutes in 2019-20, his stats have held steady.

While his shooting percentages are average, he has proven to be able to play his role on a winning team. His 3:1 assist/turnover ration is also telling. Brunson isn’t the flashiest, but he is a safe option as the primary backup. So far, he has shown more potential than Edwards despite the fact that they both were selected at the #33 pick the last two years.

Rick Carlisle’s offense has proven in the past to be able to prop up undersized point guards. J.J. Barea and Seth Curry both stand under six-foot-two, with Barea underneath the six-foot threshold. Both players have been able to carve roles out of Dallas’ system despite that.

Giving up a draft pick could be the best move to help move off of Edwards’ deal to acquire a player like Brunson. With starting point guard Kemba Walker sharing a Big East connection to the second year point guard, gambling on Brunson’s continued improvement could make it worth considering.