Recently traded Boston Celtics big man part of blockbuster proposed trade involving 23 PPG scorer

Inside The Jazz's Jared Koch came up with a blockbuster trade proposal involving former Boston Celtics big man Mike Muscala that packages the former Bucknell star with Kyle Kuzma and sends them to Danny Ainge's Utah Jazz; with the Washington Wizards landing John Collins, Talen Horton-Tucker, 2025 first-round pick (via MIN), and a 2029 first-round pick (via MIN, prot. 1-5).

While Koch sees Kuzma's value being a question mark at this point, two first-round picks seems to be the price he sees being necessary for bringing on the 23 PPG scorer. And Muscala as a bit of an afterthought.

"While forfeiting two first-round picks may be a hard pill to swallow for some, these two selections would likely be some of the lesser value of the bunch," Koch prefaced before saying, "Utah still hangs on to a large majority of their assets while bringing on a 20+ PPG scorer who can help win games now.

"Kuzma’s trade value in 2024 still currently remains a bit foggy, so it’s hard to pinpoint the exact structure of what a realistic package would look like. A deal involving him couldn’t even happen until January 15th at the earliest."

Mike Muscala seen as Boston Celtics throw-in in Kristaps Porzingis trade

The Houdini means no disrespect referring to Muscala as an afterthought or a throw-in in the Kristaps Porzingis trade. RotoWire (via CBS Sports) quite literally penned a piece entitled "Wizards' Mike Muscala: Thrown into Porzingis deal."

"Though Jones and a draft pick were the main acquisitions for Washington, Gallinari and Muscala were both shipped to the Wizards as part of the blockbuster deal," they wrote.

Muscala played well in limited minutes for the Celtics following the former second-rounder's arrival at the 2023 trade deadline, but it's been five years since the Bucknell star has been able to earn starter-quantity minutes. Until he plays a big role again, the afterthought label will be attached.