Boston Celtics: 2 Gordon Hayward trades to Cleveland

Rerouting Drummond

So the Cleveland Cavaliers still get Gordon Hayward in this arrangement, but this time, the New York Knicks take on the contract of Andre Drummond to go along with Larry Nance Jr. The Boston Celtics get a new starting center in Mitchell Robinson and a potential Semi Ojeleye replacement in Kevin Knox while swapping picks with the Knicks to move up in the draft from two of their three slots.

Why the Boston Celtics do it

Mitchell Robinson could grow into a Clint Capela-type force for the Cs, while Kevin Knox has all the makings of a capable second unit scorer if he can ever stabilize his 3-point shot. Acquiring these two will help them pay less in luxury taxes considering the large outbound salary of Hayward being wiped off the ledger.

Moving up in the draft in the process is how you conduct business.

Why the Cleveland Cavaliers do it

Again, this deal results in Gordon Hayward instead of Andre Drummond. Hayward really can thrive in the right situation…we just question if Boston is that for the oft-injured star.

Moving off Drummond is an easy pill to swallow relative to losing Larry Nance here, but lineup parity would allow the team to get more out of Kevin Love, who would be the last man standing.

Why the New York Knicks do it

Remember when the New York Knicks were linked to Andre Drummond in a trade? The Houdini does:

This deal would require sacrifice, but they would not only get a man they targeted earlier this past season but Larry Nance Jr. as well.