RFA #2 the Boston Celtics should look to avoid this offseason: Devonte Graham
Devonte Graham is another attractive replacement option for Kemba Walker. He is the odd man out in Charlotte with LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, and Malik Monk, but he’s shown flashes of being a lead guard last season. His shooting and playmaking would fit nicely beside the Jays, and Charlotte would not demand significant capital in a sign-and-trade scenario.
The issue with Graham is his size and his extension. The Boston Celtics just endured two years of having an undersized point guard at the helm, which did not work. Walker’s size limited his offensive impact when his jump shot wasn’t falling, and he was hunted on the defensive end despite Boston having two elite on-ball defenders and three elite floor roamers. Teams found a way to exploit Walker’s flaws, and it cost the Celtics, which will only continue with Graham.
His extension is unlikely to reach the level of Lonzo Ball’s, but it will still be pricey. Since Graham is not worth Smart but will be making just as much like him, the Celtics will be faced with a choice; bring in Graham and let Evan Fournier walk or bring in Graham and trade Marcus Smart.
Smart and Fournier are both better than Graham, and both will be cheaper; it’s a no-brainer which two you keep. Fournier’s size and superior consistency help the Celtics more than Graham’s excellent playmaking and scoring upside. Smart’s defense and passing are more critical to the Celtics than anything can offer.
Unless the market is dry for Graham and the Celtics can attain him for under $10 million a year, he’s not worth the money or the role.