Boston Celtics: 3 Robert Williams trades this offseason

Why the Boston Celtics do it:

Wing depth should be the primary target of improvement for the Cs at this point of free agency. Replacing Gordon Hayward with a rookie–even one of the best shooters in the draft in Aaron Nesmith–isn’t the best way to maintain contender status.

Granted, nobody in this trade return has a higher ceiling than Nesmith. That’s not the point of the deal, though.

Damion Lee is the definition of a glue guy, having averaged 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game for the Warriors this past season. Jordan Poole underwhelmed in his rookie season, but the team wasn’t exactly trying to win every game in 2019-20.

Adding a second-round draft pick makes this a smart deal for the long-term trajectory of their future if neither guy cracks the rotation in Beantown.

Why the Golden State Warriors do it

Golden State is one of the unique landing spots for the third-year big man because of the fact that they just signed the point guard Williams has played with the most: Brad Wanamaker.

Wanamaker is now the primary backup in the Bay Area, and with James Wiseman present in the starting lineup after being selected with the #2 pick in the NBA Draft, Williams would be in the second unit right along with him.

Carsen Edwards could benefit from being in such a free-flowing offense under Steve Kerr.