Does this trade make sense for the Boston Celtics?
The Boston Celtics were featured in plenty of NBA trade rumors before the start of the 2020-21 season as shopping Kemba Walker. It was made clear that former President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge had concerns with the long-term durability of the former All-Star due to his ongoing knee issues.
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Finding a way to move on from Walker could be high on the list of priorities for the Celtics in the offseason. It’s going to be difficult for teams to agree to a deal for Kemba Walker without a first round pick slabbed on it as well, but the Celtics can afford to package a high first round pick and Kemba Walker due to the rather even haul they would be getting from Orlando.
The arrival of Gary Harris would allow the Celtics to be able to move on from Evan Fournier, who’s contract expires following the season anyways, and he could be a bit of an upgrade at the shooting guard position as well. This helps Boston to better optimize salary cap spending around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The addition of Markelle Fultz has the potential of being a good one if everything pans out the way the Celtics would hope, but his name in the deal is more or less just a last ditch effort to find some sort of value. He’s made some strides but has some injury concerns in his own right. Regardless, it’s worth the risk.
