Boston Celtics Receive: C/F Kristaps Porzingis, G Josh Richardson
Dallas Mavericks Receive: G Kemba Walker, G Marcus Smart, F Aaron Nesmith, 2021 1st Round Pick
The foundation of this particular NBA trade scenario would be the big contracts of Kristaps Porzingis and Kemba Walker. Each player has three more seasons remaining on their current deal and are struggling to make an impact close to their cost for their respective team.
Kemba Walker will earn $36.0 million in 2021-22 while Kristaps Porzingis is set to receive $31.6 million, so that $4.4 million is a pretty solid gap. As a result, the Celtics would be not only compensating the Mavericks for the difference in trade value between Walker and Porzingis, but also due to Walker’s contract being worse.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: This Kings-Mavericks trade is centered around Kristaps Porzingis
Marcus Smart ($13.8 million) and Josh Richardson ($11.6 million) each will be entering the final year of their current contract. If the Celtics aren’t keen on retaining Smart long-term this could be a solid gamble to take.
The Mavericks would pay out $3.6 million to Aaron Nesmith for the upcoming season and he’s currently on a rookie deal. He has three-years remaining on his contract and would be a restricted free agent when it expires, making him all the more intriguing for a Mavericks team who needs to find quality value.
Let’s evaluate whether or not this NBA trade scenario makes sense for both the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks.
