Would this trade make sense for the Boston Celtics?
The Boston Celtics have already made one trade this season. They shipped Juancho Hernangomez to the San Antonio Spurs in a trade that was designed to help them get close to avoid the luxury tax. This trade would help them achieve that goal.
By trading Josh Richardson’s $11.6 million contract for three smaller ones, they would get under that tax. They would obviously have to clear up a roster spot or two, but that could be done through other trades and by waiving Kent Bazemore. Rumors are that they are trying to unload Dennis Schroder for nothing, anyway.
Plus, taking a chance on Kendrick Nunn wouldn’t be a bad idea, either. Nunn could choose to accept his player option and try to earn a bigger contract tafter next year. He’s better accustomed to playing in an off-ball role, and he could really help Boston’s offense.
That 2027 first-round pick the Celtics would be getting isn’t a bad asset, either. By that point, LeBron James will almost surely be retired, and who knows how good the Lakers would be. That could end up being a lottery pick that the C’s could trade away for better assets.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Celtics Want To Avoid Luxury Tax; Trade Options To Do So
Richardson is on the books for next season, too, but after that, he would become an unrestricted free agent. If Boston wanted to clear up some cap space and add some quality assets, this trade wouldn’t be too bad.
