Boston Celtics: 3 trades to add support for Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum
Another unfathomable Boston Celtics loss, another day of the dread that accompanies the reality that things can’t go on like they are now.
President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens is feeling the heat, having made a trade this past week that moved the franchise closer to below the luxury tax line. Bol Bol and P.J. Dozier won’t play, but Juan Hernangomez wasn’t seeing the hardwood anyway. Stevens could get hardship exceptions for the pair if neither is able to return this season.
That is, of course, if he can flip some more assets to make doing so make sense. Signing any free agent for both their salary and the accompanying luxury tax bill additions only works if the team is in a position to win. Otherwise, Wyc Grousbeck likely wouldn’t be happy with someone spending more money on a minimal return.
Last night, the Cs took a major loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, who were without Damian Lillard and Norm Powell. Do you know who wasn’t the problem? And, to take it a step further, do you know who has never been the problem?
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. The ‘Jays’ if you will.
After the pair dropped 49 of the team’s 105 points, only to see the team lose, the Houdini is working up mock trades to improve the talent around them. It’s a must at this point…preferably immediately.
Why the Boston Celtics do it
This deal is a big step towards contention, with the future first-round pick serving as a stark reminder that Brad Stevens wouldn’t be messing around in this scenario.
Bogdan Bogdanovic is an impact addition and potential starter that the team previously had interest in acquiring in free agency. Delon Wright replaces Dennis Schroder in the backcourt with less interest in stealing the spotlight and recouping the money he wasn’t paid this past summer. Onyeka Okongwu becomes the clear second unit anchor in the paint.
Why the Atlanta Hawks do it
The Atlanta Hawks are somehow a bigger mess than Boston is. This deal opens up future flexibility and adds a pick if they can’t start winning games soon.