Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal 

For what it’s worth, this really is an odd deal. It’s exceedingly rare for NBA Finalists from the last two seasons to swap stars. 

Yet, we did see some of the Celtics’ limitations in last year’s Big Dance. Specifically, they lacked ball handling. Granted, they’ve already taken measures to fix that issue by acquiring Malcolm Brogdon this summer. 

That’s great, but one wonders how Tatum would fare with a different co-star. In particular, a ball-handling guard – one like, for example, Devin Booker. For the Celtics’, this deal is partly about diversifying their attack. 

On the other hand, it’s also about fixing the locker room. To that extent, the Celtics would probably only entertain this deal if there’s a problem there to fix in the first place.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns & Boston Celtics Updates

Otherwise, they may want to stay the course: If they’re successful again in 2022-23, it shouldn’t be too difficult to make Brown feel wanted.