It’s NBA Trade Deadline day, Boston Celtics fans. And it’s a lot more fun than we thought it’d be earlier this season.
The Cs were a mess at the level of the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Atlanta Hawks in 2021, but the calendar flipping to 2022 has turned the page for Ime Udoka’s squad in his first season at the head coaching helm.
Now, at his first trade deadline of President of Basketball Operations, Brad Stevens has the chance to continue sculpting a winning roster for the head coach his front office hired last summer.
Could he get something out of the expiring contract of Dennis Schroder? Well, there is a player out there whose salary could be ripe for a direct swap that is on the trade block once more after being traded already this season.
That’d be Cam Reddish, who the New York Knicks don’t appear keen on keeping after bringing him aboard to reunite with college teammate R.J. Barrett.
Judging by Twitter’s reaction, this would be a welcomed swap for fans of the green:
I have no idea if Cam Reddish is actually good or not but if you're telling me all it costs to find out is to trade a player who is leaving anyways then sign me up
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) February 10, 2022
I would love that trade.
— J.C (@LFCJC6) February 10, 2022
I like Cam, he's good, atlhetic an can shoot the 3
— Arqueiro Verde ☘️ (@mathfelice7) February 10, 2022
6'8, young, talented...May end up being a flash in the pan kind of prospect who never really figures it out, but there is no denying his upside..I like bringing in a fellow Duke guy. Perhaps Tatum/Brown can mentor Cam and help him reach his potential. Absolutely worth it for DS
— DDB (@DDB93856964) February 10, 2022
Why the Boston Celtics do it
Dennis Schroder is a goner no matter how you look at it. The Cs should at least roll the dice on a guy that has potential but hasn’t found the right home to make good on it in the pros.
Cam Reddish complicates the wing situation in theory, but not if Schroder’s ball-handling responsibilities shift to Josh Richardson. Don’t forget Payton Pritchard either.
A switchable and lengthy Boston Celtics second unit is far from a bad thing, especially when the rotations shrink in the postseason and opposing scorers need to be stopped in isolation.
Why the New York Knicks do it
The Knicks have a complicated point guard situation, with Kemba Walker’s inconsistency and Derrick Rose’s injury woes. Dennis Schroder undeniably brings stability, scoring, and playmaking to the backcourt in such a scenario.
Losing Reddish isn’t much of a loss considering his own sporadic minutes in NY.