Boston Celtics Receive: G D’Angelo Russell
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G Marcus Smart, F Aaron Nesmith, C Tristan Thompson and No. 45 pick
D’Angelo Russell would give the Boston Celtics another perimeter threat in this NBA trade scenario. He would join Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to fill the void at the point guard spot left behind by the decision to trade Kemba Walker to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Celtics have built up plenty of intriguing prospects that they could move in this deal. Instead, the Celtics would be able to dump Tristian Thompson. Marcus Smart and Aaron Nesmith would also be moved in this deal as the core pieces to entice the Timberwolves into making the deal.
There would be clear salary cap benefit for the Timberwolves by executing a deal of this kind. Minnesota would clear $2.8 million in spending for the 2021-22 season, but with Smart ($13.8M) and Thompson ($9.7M) on expiring deals, there would be clear outlook to have open cap space.
It also helps the Timberwolves that Nesmith is signed to a rookie contract and will earn just $3.6 million during the upcoming season. If he were to perform, Minnesota would have an intriguing ‘3-and-D’ complement alongside Anthony Edwards.
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As for the Celtics, Russell is signed for just the next two seasons and will earn $30 million in 2021-22. Boston would still be paying noticeably list for the point guard position compared to what they would have been paying Walker.
Let’s take a closer look and see how this NBA trade scenario centered around D’Angelo Russell would impact both the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves.
