Boston Celtics: 2 Juan Hernangomez trades to the San Antonio Spurs

Why the Boston Celtics do it

There are clear and present issues in the Cs frontcourt. Behind Robert Williams, Al Horford, and Grant Williams, there aren’t many competent bodies based on what we’ve seen through three games. It’s early in the season, but Brad Stevens may have only so many years to impress Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum enough to keep them from yearning to play elsewhere.

This move adds two expiring contracts but also two veterans with skills relevant to what Boston needs.

Thaddeus Young is a prototypical power forward that could add length and physicality to a Cs squad that just got dominated in those aspects by the Raptors during a 115-83 drubbing to a Toronto team that was missing Paschal Siakam.

Bryn Forbes, meanwhile, could be useful if Aaron Nesmith’s 0/9 start from beyond the arc isn’t just a sophomore slump and is indicative of a struggle to acclimate to the pro level for the Vanderbilt product.

Why the San Antonio Spurs do it

Thaddeus Young has not had a role so far for the 2021-22 San Antonio Spurs, and may not end up having one. Additionally, Forbes belongs on a contender. The Spurs may not prove to be one this season.

Swapping them out for two years of Josh Richardson gives them a movable piece in the offseason and a player in Hernangomez that may be happier in the Alamo City than Thad Young currently is that plays the same position.