We are deep into NBA trade season here in 2021, and as things begin to normalize–the state of New York is now allowing fans into stadiums, and success in suppressing the spread of the virus could mean Massachusetts isn’t far behind–the Boston Celtics are nearing a critical stretch in the season.
Down to .500 for the first time this late in the season since Brad Stevens took over in 2013, Boston has had an underwhelming start that could turn to a campaign-long malaise for fans wondering about the team’s long-term prospects.
Kemba Walker has been as inconsistent as anyone making over $30 million this season. His knees are a concern, as they were in 2019-20. The reason why that concern has grown is that the suspension of the season last March should have given him enough time to heal.
Now, there is the unsettling possibility that the inability to have access to the team’s training staff during the deepest depths of the pandemic could have done irreparable damage to his rehabilitation.
While he has had several throwback games of late (he scored 28 points, dropped six dimes, grabbed five boards, and collected three steals against Atlanta on Friday in a win), his season has been an inspiration for anxiety for Boston Celtics fans far and wide.
With Walker being such a cause for concern, Hardwood Houdini has been exploring different avenues to find a suitable trade partner for Kemba Walker.
Recent rumors of the Dallas Mavericks sniffing around for a trade partner for Kristaps Porzingis and his $29 million in salary have the trade wheels spinning in my head…but not without one pivotal question consuming my thoughts:
Should the Boston Celtics acquire Porzingis or facilitate him going elsewhere?
Let’s check out the pros and cons of nabbing the Latvian center: