Grade the Trade: Celtics pull off Kyrie Irving reunion in risky proposal

The Boston Celtics have already made a major swing this offseason. They moved franchise stalwart Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies in a shocking three-team trade, adding a pair of first-round picks and Kristaps Porzingis. Even if the rest of the summer is quiet, their team is going to look very different next season simply from one trade.

The Celtics entered the offseason wanting an upgrade in the frontcourt, and they got one in Kristaps Porzingis. The other, glaring need in front of them is for ball-handling and playmaking; the loss of Smart only amplifies that need.

How do the Boston Celtics add a playmaker in free agency?

With their current financial situation, the Celtics are limited in what they can use to sign new players, and it will be difficult to find a ball-handler reliable enough to play in the playoffs but inexpensive enough to sign.

What if the Boston Celtics played by a different set of rules? Instead of finding the best player out there for the amount that Boston has available, what if they swing for the fences? There is a free agent point guard on the market who has elite handles, can score from anywhere and even has a history of making big shots.

That player? Kyrie Irving. We touched on this possibility earlier this week, but it’s time to examine it in full. Let’s see what a potential deal for Kyrie might look like.