Boston Celtics: Tristan Thompson traded to Charlotte in B/R’s latest piece

The Boston Celtics may find themselves being a part of the 2021 NBA Postseason, but many anticipate an early-round exit for the league’s most disappointing ball club which, in turn, will be followed up by a high-potential offseason.

Despite making it to within two games of reaching their first NBA Finals appearance just a season ago down in the Lake Buena Vista bubble, the Cs have flatlined in their follow-up campaign, going 36-36 through 72 regular-season games, secured just the seventh seed out East and, now, are seen squaring off against the heavily favored Brooklyn Nets in round one of the playoffs.

For those of you who regularly follow us at the Houdini — we love you guys –, you’re likely already aware that we believe the Boston Celtics should strongly consider making some sizeable moves this offseason be it via free agency, or by means of the more entertaining route, the trade market, to better their chances of contention come 2021-22.

Despite the fact that Boston still has at least three more games to endure before their offseason officially begins, we at the site have already gone about and started thinking up potential trade scenarios Danny Ainge and co. could partake in this summer that, in our minds, could prove to be beneficial to the organization.

Other outlets have partaken in such festivities as well of late, and most recently Bleacher Report thought up an idea that would send a big man from Beantown to Charlotte in exchange for draft capital.

The specific deal reads as follows:

Citing Boston’s obvious shift to Robert Williams III as their focal point at the pivot coupled with the team’s salary situation, writer Greg Swartz believes it could be in the C’s best interest to ship off the remaining year of Tristan Thompson‘s contract, and the center hungry Hornets could be a viable trade partner to enter discussions with:

"Thompson, 30, is still good enough to be a starter and would be an upgrade over everyone the Hornets have at the position. He’s a good screen setter and rebounder and would bring 78 games (and counting) of playoff experience, including a championship ring with the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers.Boston has leaned toward Robert Williams III, 23, as the future at the position. The Celtics are already at the luxury tax line for next season, and that’s before any free-agent signings or a new contract for Evan Fournier.The move would clear $9.7 million from Boston’s books and net a future pick—their own that they surrendered in the Gordon Hayward sign-and-trade."

On the year, the veteran big man posted per-game averages of 7.6 points and 8.1 rebounds on 52 percent shooting from the floor in 54 games with the Boston Celtics.