After all the dust settles, how much better will the Boston Celtics be after the trade deadline, if at all? The Celtics organization certainly feels so based on their moves, but how will that translate to the court?
General manager Danny Ainge made a move, biting into his historically-sized TPE to acquire Evan Fournier from the Orlando Magic. Only costing them two second-round picks, this move was a steal of a deal for an above-average scorer. In 26 games this season, the Frenchman is averaging a career-high 19.7 points while shooting 46% from the field and 39% from deep. Those are extremely efficient numbers, especially on one of the worst offenses in the league down in Orlando.
The price for the 28-year-old was so low because of his impending free agency, as his contract runs out at the conclusion of this year. However, by acquiring him this trade deadline, the Boston Celtics also gain his bird rights, meaning they are able to exceed the salary cap to re-sign him this offseason. This move is not simply seen as a rental for this season, but Fournier is valued as a key complementary piece to the Celtics core for years to come.
Evan Fournier clearly makes the Boston Celtics better
On the other hand, the other transaction made by Ainge on Thursday saw the departure of Daniel Theis, Jeff Teague, and Javonte Green. Both Moritz Wagner and Luke Kornet were shipped back to Boston, with the latter expected to be waived in the coming days.
By adding Fournier to the team earlier in the day, the Celtics found themselves over the luxury tax. They are set to be over that mark for many years to come, as the massive extension for Jayson Tatum has yet to kick in yet. Therefore, by getting under the tax this year, the front office saves tons of money by not starting the repeater tax clock just yet.
On the court, this obviously makes the team worse – with the key loss being Daniel Theis. The German big man has been a staple of the Boston Celtics frontcourt for the past three years, and has excelled in his limited role. Although not the best on either end of the floor, he always gave the team solid minutes at the center position, executing his job to support the other Boston stars.
This move was also made due to Theis’ upcoming free agency, as he is a free agent this summer, similar to Fournier. He has been shipped to Chicago and will help out their young core develop as well, supporting their respective playoff push.
With Wagner and perhaps Kornet replacing the presence of Theis, there is an obvious downgrade. Wagner can stretch the floor a bit, shooting 31% from three in 25 games, but that’s about all he showcased in Washington. The offense had learned how to play around Theis, and he will be an obvious loss to both the chemistry and depth of this team.
In his place, it is assumed that Robert Williams will be handed the starting center role – a role that he earned. Boston seems to always play dramatically better when he’s on the court, and that’s not a coincidence. Between a big man rotation of Timelord, Tristan Thompson, Mo Wagner, and a possible buyout candidate, the Cs should be comfortable at that position.
Boston has only 14 players on the roster, opening up a potential opportunity to snag a player on the buyout market, such as LaMarcus Aldridge, Otto Porter Jr., or even Andre Drummond. All three of those players, although not as good anymore, can help improve the Celtics’ depth and experience come playoff time.
After Thursday, here’s what a Celtics rotation should look like assuming everyone’s healthy: Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Rob Williams, Evan Fournier, Payton Pritchard, Tristan Thompson, and a 9th player. That 9th spot will need to be a wing player, likely Semi Ojeleye, Grant Williams, or another unknown buyout possibility.
When looking at that rotation compared to last week’s, there is an obvious improvement. As one of the biggest issues with the Boston Celtics this season has been their lack of depth, adding another capable scorer off the bench in Fournier for almost nothing will always be a successful move. This allows the Brad Stevens rotation to tighten up, not having to play untrustworthy players in important situations anymore.
Although it might have not been the most flashy of moves, and they did lose Daniel Theis, it’s clear the Boston Celtics got better with these trade deadline moves.
But how much better?