Boston Celtics: 2 Kemba Walker-Kyle Lowry trade packages

Why the Boston Celtics do it

As has been mentioned before, Walker has a contract ascending in contract value in the next two years after this one. He also has a balky knee that has caused him to miss portions of both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 campaigns.

Walker is already getting the Master Splinter treatment with his “Team Shamrock” teammates (Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart) serving as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles leading him into his twilight, and it’s not even half-way through his second-year in Boston Celtics green and white.

Kyle Lowry doesn’t have the same monetary baggage tied to him and is even a free agent after the season. If Danny Ainge likes what he sees, he can try to land him on another short-term contract, or even sign him to a cheaper rate on a longer-term deal…although his age makes it unlikely he gets anything beyond a non-guaranteed third year in any deal if he is still pushing for maximum earnings.

Norm Powell is an athletic wing who would bring sturdy positional defense and a steady 3-point shot to the second unit. Matt Thomas would bring elite shooting, though he has been unable to crack the rotation in recent weeks.

Why the Toronto Raptors do it

This deal keeps Toronto in the postseason picture the next two years with the point guard spot getting younger and more athletic. It also brings them a Canadian big man in Tristan Thompson that could give the Raptors offensive threats second and third opportunities on offense.

Of course, the first-round pick is the cherry on top and what makes this deal one to consider for Toronto since they could lose Lowry for nothing anyway.