NBA trade deadline: Grading the Boston Celtics’ acquisitions

Boston Celtics PBO Brad Stevens shocks with Daniel Theis reunion

Brad Stevens started Daniel Theis for two straight seasons, and had varied results in each. He reached the 2019-20 Eastern Conference finals with Theis at the 5 and then tried to deploy him alongside Tristan Thompson at the 4.

The latter arrangement didn’t work and later led to a trade to the Chicago Bulls during last year’s NBA trade deadline. It was one of Danny Ainge’s last acts as the general manager of the Boston Celtics. Of course, Theis was representative of a free agent archetype Ainge used to target as an undrafted international free agent.

The Brad Stevens era is all about bringing the boys back to town, though, and now Theis is returning to his most successful professional stop.

That the deal also sent out Enes Kanter Freedom and Bruno Fernando is a major victory in and of itself. Dennis Schroder will likely find a new home after a very likely buyout from a Rockets team that has no sensible role for him.

This team is much better now, and is a realistic option for free agents looking to achieve something in the 2022 postseason. Landing Theis and bringing him back to seal for the ‘Jays’, Marcus Smart, and co. was the cherry on top of a successful 2022 NBA trade deadline.

Grade: A-