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Boston Celtics: 3 realistic Kemba Walker trade options

By Jack Simone

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 25: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics runs back on defense against the Brooklyn Nets in Game Two of the First Round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on May 25, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 25: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics runs back on defense against the Brooklyn Nets in Game Two of the First Round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on May 25, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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The uptick in Kemba Walker trade rumors over the last week or so has been massive. Unfortunately, most of the news that came to fruition makes life much harder for Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics.

As reports trickle in detailing Walker’s desire to part ways with the C’s, teams around the league won’t be willing to trade as much to acquire him. Therefore, the return Stevens can expect for the guard is at an all-time low.

Most of the ideas circling around lately involve some of the other bad contracts around the league. Players such as Kristaps Porzingis and John Wall come to mind when thinking about potential trade targets.

However, in those cases, there is little incentive for the other team to take on Walker’s contract unless they get picks in return. In all likelihood, the Celtics will have to attach picks to Kemba Walker in order to trade him.

While the return on investment won’t be ideal in the eyes of most fans, that’s the harsh reality of trading big contracts in the NBA. If the Boston Celtics want any hope of having cap flexibility in the future, getting off of Walker’s contract now is essential.

Luckily for Boston, the way the team is currently constructed, they don’t necessarily need more young assets. The main priority in free agency and the trade market should be acquiring veterans.

Combine this with the fact that they will be looking to compete every year, and their draft picks become very tradable assets. The only question is, what teams around the league are in desperate need of picks.

If Stevens can pinpoint those teams, he will be in a solid position to trade Kemba Walker this offseason.

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