Boston Celtics: These 2 Robert Williams-Aaron Nesmith trades return starting PG

Why the Boston Celtics do it

While you may correctly point out that Dejounte Murray’s injury history has a harsher blemish (ACL tear) than any of the marks on Kemba Walker’s, there’s a seven-year difference and vast NBA mileage difference, and thus, a much better chance of the issue not affecting him as much moving forward.

Murray contributed to a San Antonio Spurs cause that got them in the postseason conversation, though they ultimately fell short of the playoffs via an NBA Play-in loss to Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Murray dropped a triple-double and played the most minutes for San Antonio. He is a reliable third wheel for the Cs, who would have to include a future first-rounder to get such a deal done.

Why the San Antonio Spurs do it

Behind Jakob Poeltl, there’s a dearth of depth at the pivot in the Alamo City. In one fell swoop, this deal would add a former NBA Champion, a 2018 first-rounder proving to be starter-material, and a 2020 lottery pick who proved in spurts that he can be a reliable starter.

The 2023 first round pick puts this over the edge on San Antonio’s part if they are looking to move Murray, as has been rumored. Murray himself certainly didn’t squash those rumors.