Boston Celtics: A 6-step plan to achieve the perfect offseason

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 26: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Boston Celtics during a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 26, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

2 of 6

Boston Celtics (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics acquire Lonzo Ball via sign-and-trade

You may be thinking, is Lonzo Ball for Marcus Smart sort of a lateral move, considering they are similar players? Personally, I’d say no. I think Ball offers far more to this team than Smart has or could.

While Lonzo is not the defender or hustle guy Smart–2x All-Defensive 1st team–is, he still has the potential to be an All-defensive team caliber player. But what he can offer, more so than Smart, is on the offensive side of the ball.

Lonzo averages 6.4 career assists per game, to Smarts 4.2. Over the last two seasons ball has shot 37.5% or better from deep on at least six attempts per game. Smart has never once eclipsed 37% from beyond-the-arc, now going into year eight.

Ball is a superior scorer, shooter, playmaker, and still a great defender, as well as being younger and farther from his ceiling. Having a six-foot-six point guard who can shoot well and play exceptional defense is something out of a dream.

The contract would most likely look like three years, and $60 million, or 4 years for $80 million. With shipping off Kemba for Al, and giving away Smart in the sign-and-trade, we would have adequate cap space, below the apron.

Home/Celtics News