Why The Boston Celtics Do This Trade

The Boston Celtics would be losing more than the statistics show by parting ways with Marcus Smart. He is the heart and soul of this team and brings a lot of energy and toughness to the court. However, his future with the team is in doubt as they may not be able to afford to pay him next offseason when his contract expires. It is unlikely he signs such a team-friendly discount a second time.

So, the Celtics flip him as part of the deal for CJ McCollum, who will give Boston quite a dynamic trio. McCollum, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown would be arguably the best offensive trio in the NBA outside of the Brooklyn Nets’ Big 3 of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving.

McCollum is one of the best scoring guards in the NBA, coming off of a career-high 23.1 points per game alongside Lillard. He would be able to carry the offense whenever Tatum and Brown are getting rests.

While not a traditional point guard, McCollum is more than comfortable with the ball in his hands. He could function as the team’s lead guard and the offense should flow well, especially with the All-Star duo already in place improving as playmakers as well. If Al Horford is in the starting lineup, that would give Boston four strong playmakers to make up for not having a traditional point guard.

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Parting ways with two more young players and another draft pick in his first offseason may be a difficult sell to management for Stevens, but the team would be that much closer to contending with a move like acquiring McCollum.