New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Kemba Walker
Boston Celtics Receive: G Eric Bledsoe, G J.J. Redick, LAL 2021 1st Round Pick (via NOP)
Since being drafted 9th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, Boston Celtics star Kemba Walker has been a very underrated point guard and does not receive the credit he deserves. Dating all the way back to his days at UCONN, Walker has always been a guy that was slept on, even after he was the main reason why his school won the 2011 National Championship.
Walker is now 30-years old and is still in the prime of his career, as he has made four consecutive NBA All-Star game appearances and has been having some of the best statistical seasons of his career. The 9-year veteran guard has averaged 22.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists and has shot 43.4% from the floor and 38% from three-point range over the last four seasons.
He has consistently been a reliable scorer and floor general as he has not missed many games over the years, but after dealing with some lingering knee issues last season, Walker decided to get some treatment on his left knee this offseason. After receiving a stem cell injection in his left knee this offseason, Kemba has been taking part in a strengthening program and rehab program to try and get back to full strength.
Adding another 20+ points per game type scorer to this offense in New Orleans could be extremely dangerous and make them one of the better teams overall in the Western Conference. Not only is Kemba a better overall scorer than both Bledsoe and Redick, but he is also a playmaker and facilitator, something the Pels do not currently have.
The last few seasons, Eric Bledsoe has been a key role player for numerous championship contending teams in Milwaukee. Last year, he averaged 14.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists and shot 47.5% from the floor, making him a very reliable option next to some star players.
Much like Bledsoe is a key role player, so is J.J. Redick, who is in the final years of his career. Since the 2014-15 season, Redick has ranked in the Top-15 every season in three-pointers made and has solidified himself as one of the All-Time greats from beyond the arc. Last season, Redick moved into 14th on the NBA’s All-Time Three-Pointers Made List and this season, he could move up inside the Top-10 of the list, passing the likes of Joe Johnson, Dirk Nowitzki, and Jason Kidd.
The Celtics are in a position to win now and they need to maximize their potential to win a championship this season, which is why Kemba Walker could ultimately be on the move. By the looks of things, this trade looks like it could work out well for both teams, but let’s take a closer look at why exactly this trade makes sense for both the Boston Celtics and the New Orleans Pelicans.
