Boston Celtics Receive: F Andre Iguodala, G Avery Bradley, F Duncan Robinson, 2025 MIA 1st Round Pick
Miami Heat Receive: G Kemba Walker, CHA 2022 2nd Round Pick (via BOS)
In this trade, things are a little more balanced out in terms of outgoing and incoming talent for both sides, the only difference compared to the last trade is that Miami keeps both Olynyk and Nunn.
In doing so, the Miami Heat would be taking in $12M in cap impact and as a result, it would put them $3.1M over the tax. As a result, Miami would likely be paying between $4M and $6M in luxury taxes, assuming they do not make any other changes. While they could probably afford it, with both Jimmy Butler’s and Bam Adebayo’s contract set to increase next season, this may not be ideal for the Heat to do now, especially since they will be paying taxes the next few years to keep this team together.
But, if this is the trade they want to propose to Boston in order to land Kemba Walker, it would not be able to get done until near the trade deadline as Avery Bradley is a new signing by the Heat. Per NBA rules, Bradley cannot be traded from the Heat until February 21, 2021 at the earliest, which is why this trade would have to wait.
The Heat would probably be fine with this though as Kemba Walker is out anyways rehabbing from treatment on his left knee. They would likely want to see him in action and make sure there are no visible limitations before pulling the trigger to acquire him.
Getting Iguodala and Robinson would definitely help the Celtics in terms of bench depth and scoring off the bench, but Avery Bradley could also aid them in different areas as well. Bradley began his career with the Celtics and played 7 seasons in Boston before bouncing around the league, which is why a reunion with them on the back-half of his career would be nice.
While he is in the later parts of his career, Bradley is still an impact veteran player and is more than capable of splitting time with Jeff Teague at point guard for this team. His “3-and-D” playstyle is definitely useful in the Celtics’ system and would also provide valuable depth off the bench.
Boston also gets a future first-round pick from Miami in this trade proposal with no limitations or protections on it, which could be of use in future trades or in their future plans to draft young talent. Compared to the last trade, this one is a little more fair for both sides as they both benefit in different ways, the only catch though is that the Heat would be paying some luxury taxes and that may not be ideal for them this season.
