Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Al Horford, 2023 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected)
Boston Celtics Receive: G Terry Rozier
This trade sees the Boston Celtics orchestrate a reunion with Terry Rozier. It was in Beantown that Rozier earned his “scary” moniker: Boston faithful would welcome him back with open arms.
Of course, at $21.4 million a season, Rozier doesn’t significantly help the team’s goal of clearing cap space. In fact, he’s got 4 years remaining on his deal to Horford’s 1. From a strictly financial standpoint, this isn’t the move for Boston.
As far as team-building goes, the Celtics may feel differently. Their guard rotation, as presently constructed, is weak. As a win-now club, the only reason they’d be dumping Horford’s contract would be to improve. From the perspective of roster balance, this deal helps them do that.
As for the Hornets, they get the big man they need. Horford may not be the ideal pick-and-roll lob finisher for the gifted LaMelo Ball, but he does check a lot of boxes.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 1 Major Takeaway From Each Game 1 In Round 1 Of 2022 NBA Playoffs
He provides solid floor-spacing, and his passing vision will fit right in with a team that led the league in assists per game. He’s also a great defensive player who can survive in space and protect the rim.
This deal finds both teams filling a position of need, and improving in the process. What more could either side ask for?
