Trade No. 2 – New Orleans Pelicans

Boston Celtics Receive: G JJ Redick, G Eric Bledsoe, CLE 2021 2nd Round Pick (via NOP), NOP 2022 1st Round Pick, NOP 2024 1st Round Pick (Top-10 Protected)

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Kemba Walker

Kemba Walker’s knee issues have long been documented and he has had several issues dating back to his college days at UCONN, which can be concerning for the Celtics moving forward. They put a lot of faith in Kemba last year and believed he was the guy they needed in order to finally make the NBA Finals, but they still fell short and lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

After starting the year 7-3 without Kemba, they are 3-3 since his return and honestly looked like a better overall team without him on the court. Walker is a fantastic point guard and one of the better overall playmakers in the league, but it may be best for the Celtics to move on from him now while his value is high in order to build depth and draft capital for years to come. 

As mentioned earlier, the Boston Celtics have virtually no depth on their roster and their bench is one of the worst in the league, which is why this trade with the Pelicans could be very beneficial. Eric Bledsoe is a great complimentary player and given his skills as a two-way guard, he could be a perfect fit in the backcourt next to Marcus Smart. 

In 14 games with the Pels this season, Bledsoe is averaging 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and is shooting 40.6% from three-point range. With his ball-handling abilities and his off-the-ball movement, Bledsoe would be the best point guard to trade for and put next to Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum on the court. 

J.J. Redick gives the Celtics depth on their bench and an All-Time shooter. Redick currently ranks 15th on the All-Time 3-Pt Field Goals List and with a career 41.4% three-point shooting percentage, he could be the veteran player they need and the spark off-the bench they need to make a deep playoff push once again. 

Getting two impact guards and a slew of draft picks for Kemba Walker would be great value for the Boston Celtics and a trade they would likely have a hard time saying no to. There are rumors circulating around the league that the Pelicans are “open for business” and willing to hear offers for everyone except Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. 

This could be the best opportunity the Celtics have to trade away Kemba Walker and get the best value they possibly could out of him. They are not going to find many better deals than this one for the 4x All-Star point guard.