Boston Celtics: 3 potential cap-clearing offseason trades

Why the Boston Celtics do it

Losing a recent All-Star point guard who fits so well culturally while also sending out the heart and soul of the team’s defense is the price to pay for lineup parity and cap space.

Julius Randle has elevated his value on the court in 2020-21, becoming an All-Star big man in the process. Even with a 41% conversion rate from the 3-point line this season, Randle is still only a 32% career shooter from beyond the arc.

His trade value shouldn’t be too high that the Knicks would balk at the inclusion of a future draft pick as well. That said, his fit in the Cs lineup as a tertiary option for Tatum and Brown would severely strengthen the team’s frontcourt and allow Tatum to avoid banging with physical 4’s in the paint.

Given what we have seen with Randle playing besides Mitchell Robinson and Nerlens Noel, he should have no problems coexisting with Robert Williams in the starting lineup.

Why the New York Knicks do it

Even though the Knicks are enjoying their finest season since Jason Kidd, Rasheed Wallace, and Kurt Thomas were spending their final seasons in the Mecca eight years ago, they’re a likely play-in tournament casualty if they don’t snag the #6 seed. If they do that, they will be an easy first-round ouster for one of the Eastern Conference’s top half teams.

Bringing home the Bronx-born Walker and the former DPOY Smart would open up minutes for Obi Toppin at the PF spot.

If Walker isn’t long for Boston, returning to the site of his greatest triumph (2011 Big East Championship and 2011 NCAA Championship with UCONN) would be the next best thing. And if Smart isn’t igniting the TD Garden, the Garden between 34th and 31st streets and 7th and 8th avenues in New York City is the next best thing.