Boston Celtics: 3 Aaron Gordon trades this offseason

Why the Boston Celtics do it

This deal is an all-in push by the Cs to win a championship in the next few years, as it would cost them several unprotected first-round picks. Given the Houdini’s long-time infatuation with Mo Bamba, you needed to see something like this coming.

The Magic pair could immediately step in and start, and Bamba’s arrival and slotting into Daniel Theis’ spot in the rotation brings uniformity to Brad Stevens’ center rotation. Bamba’s rim running and flair for the spectacular fit in with Robert Williams’ athletic prowess and Tristan Thompson’s workman-like dominance.

This deal allows the Celtics to keep Kemba Walker while boosting the rest of their lineup.

Why the Orlando Magic do it

If the Magic decide that Chuma Okeke and Khem Birch could handle the big man responsibilities behind Nikola Vucevic in the rotation, perhaps making a future-thinking move to acquire assets on two awkward fitting bigs might be what’s in their best interest.

Romeo Langford could prove to be a better fit in Orlando if his health permits, but Aaron Nesmith’s presence may mean the writing is on the wall for him in Boston. The true gets for the Magic in this deal are the two future first-round picks, of course.

That said, getting a quality backup in Daniel Theis is a nice bonus as well.