Grade the Trade: Boston Celtics swap centers with division foe in proposal

The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks swap centers, specifically Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams III, in a mock trade from NBA Analysis Network that would see the Cs also give up extra value in the form of Payton Pritchard and a future first-round draft pick. NBA Analysis Network’s James Piercey believes the Cs would have a dominant defense with Robinson and Kristaps Porzingis manning the middle.

“Robinson may not be as reliable as Williams III when it comes to defending in space, but he’s still competent in that area,” Piercey prefaced before saying, “Meanwhile, he may be an even more impactful rim protector. With Robinson anchoring the defense and Kristaps Porzingis on the weak side, the Celtics should field a dominant defense.”

Would having such a dominant defense be worth the depth Boston would be giving up in this deal?

The Boston Celtics would be trading the bargain bin version of Mitchell Robinson for the full-priced one

Robinson cost 27% more than Williams does and in the era of the new collective bargaining agreement, that’s a big deal. Of course, Boston would be giving up Pritchard and his eventual extension, but it would also cost a value first-round pick to do so.

The two big men’s skill sets are similar, as are the players. While they grew up roughly five hours apart, with Williams growing up in Shreveport and Robinson outside of New Orleans, the two are Lousiana born and raised.

The New York Knicks would have the chance to give Payton Pritchard role the Boston Celtics never could

Pritchard could be the one who makes the Cs regret this deal. In spurts, the Oregon product has proven to be an efficient offensive weapon who, while undersized, could hold his own on the defensive side of the ball.

Boston couldn’t give Pritchard the role he desired, but New York might be able to. That could give Brad Stevens and Co. another reason to worry about pulling the trigger on such a deal.

Trade grade for the Boston Celtics: C-

There’s no good reason for the Celtics to gamble on Robinson being much of a needle-mover relative to The Time Lord. Too much is given up in this proposal, with too much possible regret present.

Trade grade for the New York Knicks: A

A first-round pick, Pritchard, and a very slight downgrade at the 5? Why wouldn’t the Knicks agree to this trade?