Would this trade make sense for the Boston Celtics?
After being a fixture in the playoffs under Brad Stevens, the Boston Celtics are continuing to struggle with competing at a high-level in the Eastern Conference. It appears as though changes are needed ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
The point guard situation for the Celtics is a challenging one. There is currently no long-term answer and even when Dennis Schroder plays well, it’s unlikely they can retain him after his contract is up. What is known is that Marcus Smart isn’t a long-term answer at the spot, either.
Westbrook is earning a staggering $44.2 million in salary during the 2021-22 season and is signed through just 2022-23. The final year of his deal is worth $47 million, which it seems highly unlikely that he’d decline when considering the circumstances.
Giving up Josh Richardson and Juancho Hernangomez would not hurt the Celtics much. For reference, averaging 10.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 46.2% from the floor and 38.9% from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, this would move Al Horford’s contract, too, who is signed through 2022-23 like Westbrook.
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The fit with Westbrook certainly wouldn’t be ideal, but he can at least bring another threat that can get downhill and push the tempo in the open floor. It’s worth the risk considering the arrangement would be for the rest of this season and for 2022-23, not for like three or four years.
