Boston Celtics: 2 trade packages to nab Elfrid Payton from Knicks

Why the Boston Celtics do it

As previously mentioned, Jeff Teague has underwhelmed as the veteran backup point guard so far in 2020-21 for the Boston Celtics, and Elfrid Payton is a substantial upgrade at this stage in their respective careers.

While the 32-year-old Teague is averaging his lowest points per game since his sophomore season (six ppg) and shooting the worst percentage from the field he ever has (32%), the 26-year-old Payton is doubling him up in points, assists, and rebounds while shooting 10 percentage points better from the field (although Teague is pacing him in 3-point percentage).

Payton is a starting-caliber floor general and can fill in admirably if/when Walker inevitably sits out due to his lingering knee issues. Teague is no longer capable of that, and unfortunately doesn’t even hold trade value at this point.

Switching out the oft-injured Romeo Langford and a pair of second-round picks would be prudent on Ainge’s part to land such a point guard.

Why the New York Knicks do it

With Payton somewhat redundant with Derrick Rose in town and Immanuel Quickley also needing minutes, swapping him out for a recent lottery pick would be a good use of his trade value. Gaining two second-round picks for an expiring contract is the kind of move Knicks fans likely want to see for their young, rebuilding team.