Boston Celtics: 2 players who are guaranteed goners following Kemba deal

Boston Celtics definite goner following Kemba trade #2: Tristan Thompson

Tristan Thompson is a symbol of the failures of the 2020 offseason by former general manager Danny Ainge. If Ainge was able to get a different player with his MLE–such as Serge Ibaka or Montrezl Harrell, who signed similar deals to play for their respective Los Angeles franchises–perhaps the conversation would be a different one right now.

Instead, Thompson was a lightning rod this season after bringing his Kardashian celebrity to a franchise that embraces tradition over celebrity.

The center position was constantly in flux in 2021, with Robert Williams’ injury woes preventing him from fully grasping the starting center spot. Luckily, he can go back to a reserve role with Al Horford back in the fold…assuming Moses Brown doesn’t make him obsolete.

Remember, the Houdini isn’t going there.

Thompson isn’t likely to want to take a seat as a veteran he battled in the Eastern Conference postseason over the years takes his starting job. Likewise, Brad Stevens isn’t likely to want to pay him over $9 million to do so.

A split seems imminent for Thompson and the Boston Celtics, and his tenure won’t be one Cs fans will hold dear in the years to come.