Boston Celtics: 3 trades to absorb “bad contracts” into TPE

The Boston Celtics have the ability to pay players that other franchises feel guilty about but be free of the same remorse.

Danny Ainge has $28.5 million of house money following the sign-and-trade that landed Gordon Hayward in the Queen City. That money is only redeemable in trades or sign-and-trades, but the Cs shouldn’t be bashful about their ability to spend extra money this season.

Currently 12-11 and in danger of falling to .500 with a loss tonight against the surging Toronto Raptors, Boston is on the brink of a mini-meltdown if the losing continues. They have lost five of their last seven games, including two in a row to the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz in their current west coast trip.

It’s clear that Ainge is feeling some offseason regrets after failing to properly shore up the frontcourt and find a capable veteran backup floor general. As the lineup continues to struggle even after the return of their highest-paid player and perennial All-Star Kemba Walker, the pressure is mounting to get the team’s shoulders above the proverbial water line.

This team could be in danger of sinking to suboptimal levels–relative to expectations and recent success–given Boston’s latest skid, but in taking on “bad contracts” from other teams, perhaps their fortunes can change.

Here are 3 such deals the Boston Celtics can make:

Why the Boston Celtics do it

That Buddy Hield is considered a bad deal (ranked the 8th-worst contract by radio.com) is more of an indictment on the Kings’ ability to develop talent. Hield was demoted to a bench role in 2019-20, but would be better off serving that role on a contender like Boston. Given that he still has value as a 40% career 3-point shooter, Boston could afford giving up picks over the next two seasons given the young talent already on the roster.

Why the Sacramento Kings do it

Three draft picks would be a great haul for Sacramento’s highest-paid player who is having his worst statistical season as a professional.