Boston Celtics: 2 blockbuster Kevin Love-Al Horford offseason swaps

Why the Boston Celtics do it

The Cs registered interest in Larry Nance Jr. at the trade deadline but ultimately didn’t land the second-generation Cleveland Cavalier. No one did, as he stuck with the Cavs for his third full year in the Land.

It wasn’t fruitful after the trade deadline as Nance played his last game on April 25th and played just eight games total after the March 25th deadline.

A change of scenery could do wonders for Nance, who would either start alongside Love in the frontcourt with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart or be the first big off the pine. It’d be a short reunion with Al Horford, but this deal improves their frontcourt.

Why the Cleveland Cavaliers do it

At this point, Love’s value is not very high, so taking on two potentially expiring deals (Al Horford’s 2022-23 season is not guaranteed) is a good way to recoup value and not add too much in the way of long-term salary.

And hey, maybe Cleveland could turn things around and not need LeBron James to return once more before heading back to the postseason. In that case, Thompson and Horford are solid bigs to have on hand.