Boston Celtics: 3 potential cap-clearing offseason trades

Why the Boston Celtics do it

At first glance, Cs fans might detest this deal. Giving up key pieces on a playoff team for two underperforming players on a team mired in disarray since the mid-2000s? And a draft pick?

Let me explain.

Kemba Walker’s contract could become an albatross if his knee issues can’t be contained. Marcus Smart is due for an extension in 2022. While these guys may appear to have more value now, things could change very quickly if Danny Ainge stays the course.

Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield are two scoring threats that are seemingly hampered by Luke Walton’s inability to have all of the talents on his roster mesh. While they average below 20 points per game, the Kings’ offensive struggles after a promising early-season start share responsibility for that. They grade out as a bottom-five team in offensive efficiency over the last week.

This deal makes the Cs more offensive-minded, although Payton Pritchard is an upgrade defensively at the point guard spot over Walker, and this deal enables him to assume the starting floor general role for a Celtics team that would be heavy on offensive firepower.

Why the Sacramento Kings do it

When you have as many flaws as the Kings have had over the years across the board, any trade that brings in a draft pick at least brings them closer to finding the next superstar via the draft.

This deal gives them two more shots at doing so while adding a potentially hot trade chip at the 2022 trade deadline in Smart.

Why the New York Knicks do it

A single draft pick is worth the potential leap in the standings Kemba Walker’s presence in New York can bring. The cherry on top is adding his close friend and pandemic roomie, Grant Williams.