Boston Celtics: 2 under-the-radar offseason trade targets
By Jack Simone
Boston Celtics add depth, improve cap flexibility
Many Boston Celtics fans would be upset at the loss of Marcus Smart, but this trade gives Boston a lot more breathing room moving forward. Assuming Kemba Walker also gets traded, the team’s salary cap situation would improve drastically following this deal.
Smart is due for a contract extension at the end of next season. While some believe he could be willing to take a pay cut to stay with the C’s, the extension would still put Boston in a tough place from a money perspective.
By trading Smart for three younger, productive pieces, the Celtics open up more cap flexibility while also improving their depth. Brandon Clarke is obviously the star of this deal, but both Grayson Allen and John Konchar help the team, too.
Clarke will be entering his third NBA season. Despite regressing a bit last year, his solid shooting and switchable defense make him a valuable asset next to Boston’s young stars.
What makes him even more enticing is the fact that he is on a fairly small deal. Clarke is under contract for the next two years for $2.7 million next season and $4.3 million the year after.
Allen and Konchar are also on super small contracts. Allen’s deal will be up following next season, while Konchar is on the books until 2024 for under $3 million per season.
Both players provide the Celtics a widely sought-after skill – shooting. Allen averaged 10.6 PPG on 39.1% shooting from deep, while Konchar averaged 4.3 PPG on 37.5% shooting from deep.
All three players are 25 and under, so the potential for growth combined with their already enticing skill sets makes this trade a win-win for Boston.
As for Memphis, they would be putting more experience next to Ja Morant, while also adding more draft capital. The move improves their chances of winning now and their future.