New York Knicks Receive: F Joe Harris, C Nic Claxton
Boston Celtics Receive: G Alec Burks, C Nerlens Noel, F Day’Ron Sharpe
Brooklyn Nets Receive: C Al Horford
If the Boston Celtics are insistent on strictly clearing significant cap space, this deal suits them better. They gain $5.1 in cap space if this trade comes to fruition.
It may be a long shot. The Nets are paying a hefty sum to acquire Horford here. On the other hand, the 35-year-old could make them unstoppable. He’s a tidy fit alongside Ben Simmons as a floor-spacing big man, and he strengthens a defense in need of strengthening.
Furthermore, the team was likely to lose Claxton in free agency anyway, and don’t have the time needed to develop rookie big man Day’Ron Sharpe. In essence, they’re trading Joe Harris for Al Horford.
As for the New York Knicks, this may be a lateral move. At the same time, Claxton is a quality defensive big. Acquiring him could allow the Knicks the luxury of moving their own restricted free agent Mitch Robinson in a sign-and-trade. They’ll make good use of Harris’ elite floor spacing as well.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 1 Major Takeaway From Each Game 1 In Round 1 Of 2022 NBA Playoffs
Salary dumping is the type of endeavor that keeps NBA general managers up at night. If they don’t want a contract, why should another team? Still, with hard work and ingenuity, there is usually a way to move a contract.
When it’s attached to a quality veteran like Al Horford, that holds particularly true.
