Boston Celtics: 2 offseason Gordon Hayward trades to the Dallas Mavericks

An all-in move for lineup parity

The second deal is a five-player deal with three first-round draft picks headed Dallas’ way. The Cs would send away Gordon Hayward and Marcus Smart in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis, Dwight Powell, and Delon Wright.

Why the Boston Celtics do it

Unlike the last deal, Hayward isn’t the best player in the trade…that would be the 2015 #4 overall pick in the NBA Draft Kristaps Porzingis. The “unicorn” would make for the perfect shot-blocking stretch-five that Daniel Theis could never be.

Delon Wright would be a nice option for the backup point guard spot, especially if Brad Wanamaker bolts Beantown. Dwight Powell is recovering from a torn right Achilles he suffered in January, but he should be ready by the time the 2020-21 season rolls around.

Why the Dallas Mavericks do it

Getting back a former All-Star who just averaged 17 points per game on 50/38/85 shooting splits and a former Defensive Player of the Year for a center on a max contract with an injury history sounds like a good return on the surface.

Now add three future first-round picks–which is more than what they gave up to acquire Porzingis–and you have the best possible package to remain a contender, if not outright improve as one. That they can shed the higher salaries of Dwight Powell and Delon Wright is just another benefit.