Toronto Raptors Receive: F/C Tristan Thompson

Boston Celtics Receive: C Aron Baynes, G Terence Davis, TOR 2023 2nd Round Pick

While the Celtics may not want to take back another center if they are trading Tristan Thompson away, one of the only ways the Raptors can make this trade work financially is by trading Aron Baynes and his $7M contract. Especially since Toronto will not be trading Norman Powell or Chris Boucher for Thompson. 

One of the biggest needs for the Boston Celtics, outside of a fourth reliable scoring option, is depth. The Celtics have one of the worst benches in the league in terms of offensive production and honestly, rookie guard Payton Pritchard may be their best bench player. 

Adding a young, proven offensive threat like Terence Davis could definitely be of value to Boston and give them a young scorer they could potentially look to for production late in the year. While Thompson has been solid this year, averaging 7.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and shooting 53.4% in about 22.5 minutes per game, the Celtics do not necessarily need him since Robert Williams and Daniel Theis have both been playing well. 

For the Raptors though, Aron Baynes has been nothing more than a rebounding threat for them, as he is averaging just 6.3 points per game this season. He is not a factor for them offensively and has not really brought much production to their frontcourt, which is why upgrading their center position at the NBA trade deadline is a must. 

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Terence Davis is definitely a young talent the Raptors really like and have high hopes for, but if they are to contend in the Eastern Conference, they will need to add another reliable frontcourt talent, which is why they may have to be willing to part ways with Davis. 

There is value to be gained on both sides of this trade, so let’s take a look at why this trade makes sense for both the Celtics and the Raptors.