Boston Celtics Receive: C Steven Adams, CLE 2021 2nd Round Pick (via NOP)

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F/C Tristan Thompson, G Romeo Langford

After just signing him to a contract-extension upon arrival to New Orleans, it seems unlikely that the Pelicans would want to move on from Adams after just one season, but second-year big man Jaxson Hayes is starting to get more playing time and with Zion Williamson evolving into a dominant frontcourt player, Adams’ minutes may start to decrease. 

While he has started in every single game he has played in this year, Steven Adams overall production has decreased and he is not much of a factor offensively other than grabbing offensive rebounds. On the year, Adams is averaging 7.9 points, 8.9 rebounds (3.8 OREB) and is shooting 62.7% from the floor. 

For a guy playing about 28 minutes per game, these numbers are not terrible at all, especially given that his main purpose out there on the floor is to rebound. Adams ranks 4th in the league in offensive rebounds per game and 3rd in the league in total offensive rebounds on the year. 

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New Orleans may not want to get rid of him for that reason alone, but he could be exactly what the Celtics are looking for, which is why they may look to make a push for him in the offseason. Having a go-to scoring option in the paint would ultimately be what the Celtics look for in a potential center, but getting a guy like Steven Adams who can create second-chance opportunities is just as good. 

With Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown being All-Star caliber players, the Celtics could definitely benefit from having a fourth high-level scorer, but having a guy who can create a lot of second-chance points and opportunities is just as good. 

So does this trade actually make sense for the Celtics and the Pelicans? Let’s take a closer look at how this trade would impact both teams and if it is the right move.