Boston Celtics: 3 realistic Kemba Walker trade options
By Jack Simone
Timberwolves salvage a year of tanking by adding a first-round pick
While most Boston Celtics fans seem to be on board with an Al Horford trade, this is the harsh reality of potential options outside of that. Walker and picks for players much less valuable than him.
The real beauty of this deal is that the Celtics could shed over $28 million in cap space at the end of next season. Both Ricky Rubio and Jake Layman will be on expiring deals, while Juancho Hernangomez’s deal in 2022-23 is non-guaranteed.
The downside to this trade is that the Celtics are certainly losing value. Walker is a far superior player to any of the three incoming players, even with his struggles this past season.
The Celtics would also forfeit their 2021 first-round pick in this deal (16th overall). Although it may not seem necessary considering how lopsided the talent is, the pick is really the only reason Minnesota would be interested.
The Timberwolves finished near the bottom of the standings last year, but do not own the rights to their first-round pick if it falls out of the top three. If it does, they lose it to the Warriors as a part of the D’Angelo Russell trade.
If Minnesota finds themselves without a pick, they could be looking to trade for one. By attaching the 16th overall pick to Walker, the Wolves might be willing to take on the extra salary.
Rubio could fill in as the playmaking point guard many believe could help Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown thrive. Meanwhile, Hernangomez and Layman would provide some short-term bench depth.