Boston Celtics: 3 Carsen Edwards trades to improve bench

Why the Boston Celtics do it

Giving up a first-round pick for anything short of a blockbuster move may not be what most fans want from Danny Ainge and co., but getting an elite role-player like David Nwaba would be a great way to fortify the defense.

As Akbar Best of Nothin’ But Nets pointed out when Nwaba was repping black and white in Kings County, he can also contribute on the offensive end as well:

"Nwaba is great at attacking and finishing at the rim. Off back door cuts, breaking the defense down, or on a fast break, he’s always been very efficient at converting points near or around the basket. His long arms allow him to put up a variety of floaters over opposing defenders. He’s athletic, has good vertical jumping abilities and solid hang time. These two attributes allow Nwaba time in the air to adjust to the defense and or just straight up shoot over the defense. The same powerful frame that helps him on defense is the same frame that allows him to finish through contact often. Although just a 20 game stretch, Nwaba shot 58 percent from the field his rookie year in the league and shot 52 percent from inside the arch."

A pliable piece that can complement the talents of the “Jays” is the best way to land a difference-maker that won’t disrupt the current core. Nwaba can be that piece.

Why the Houston Rockets do it

It isn’t clear yet whether this James Harden-John Wall-Christian Wood-DeMarcus Cousins core can bring the Rockets back to the postseason, especially since it’s abundantly clear Harden wants nothing to do with being in Houston for the long haul.

If their season goes south, scooping up young talent with upside and a first-round draft pick would be a success for Rafael Stone and the Rockets’ front office.