Proposed trade for veteran Boston Celtics leader is laughable

Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens would need to be doing his best Max Keeble impression — a becoming the general manager of the Utah Jazz with an already-agreed upon secret deal with Danny Ainge-level big move — to ever consider accepting an offer proposed from NBA Analysis Network. The deal would see Al Horford moved to the Houston Rockets to link back up with ex-Celtics head coach Ime Udoka, with the return being Jae’Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday, and a 2024 second-round draft pick.

The explanation for such a deal on the C’s side of the equation? Boston would be getting a cost-controlled talent in Tate.

“For Boston, this may come down to Robert Williams III’s health,” the author wrote. “Moving Horford is risky when Time Lord is so prone to injuries. With that said, this could be a risk worth taking for Boston. Sure, they’re losing the best player in this trade. At the same time, Tate is solid in his own regard. He’s a versatile defensive wing with a knack for connective passing. Just as significantly, he’s also cost-controlled. Tate is on a team-friendly contract for the next few years.”

Al Horford’s Boston Celtics contract is just as cost-controlled as Jae’Sean Tate’s and he’s a much better player and fit

Forget about Tate being on a team-friendly contract, since Horford’s Celtics extension costs $6 million more over the same period of time. Horford is a much superior shooter who fits as a complementary piece alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and hopefully, Kristaps Porzingis. He’s also proven to be the kind of veteran who can help a locker room full of big names get to the Finals. Tate has only ever been on bad Rockets teams and hasn’t proven to be a winner yet at the NBA level.

This is as clear-cut as it gets. Boston’s front office has no reason to consider this deal, and likely wouldn’t let it get past an initial proposal and some laughter before hanging up.