Grade the trade: Celtics land Damian Lillard in proposed blockbuster

Would the Boston Celtics accept this trade?

The Celtics would be sacrificing depth for another superstar. They would be blowing past the second tax apron next season when Jaylen Brown’s extension kicks in, which limits their roster flexibility and available moves. Boston would be giving up a massive haul, but the return is one of the league’s best players.

Is Damian Lillard enough to make the Celtics title favorites? If so, it is worth going all-in. Even if it means trading a key contributor next summer to duck the second apron or being hamstrung by it, winning a title is worth it. Boston has been so close to ring number 18 in recent years, but they have struggled to get over the hump. This could be the move that gets them there.

In the playoffs, Brogdon averaged 24.9 minutes per game and Williams played 20.9. The other pieces were not part of the nightly rotation. Lillard would likely play close to 40 minutes each night, and they could give more playing time to Derrick White. Kristaps Porzingis will pick up the slack at the five, and the Celtics instantly become the title favorites.

Grade: B

This lands at a B because the Boston Celtics are giving up a massive haul of draft capital and rotation pieces. That is the price of a superstar, but it creates plenty of risk. This trade goes to an A-plus if they win the championship, but it becomes a disaster if the Celtics fail and are hamstrung by the second tax apron for years. Will they take the chance? Stay tuned to find out.

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