Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal 

One thing Boston is likely to understand is Gobert’s on-court value. 

After all, this team has emphasized interior defense in recent years. Unfortunately, Robert Williams III is frequently injured. That’s part of the plan here – the Celtics would be replacing him. 

That might mean trading Williams III in a separate transaction. Alternatively, they may be able to co-exist for spells. Williams III has the lateral quickness to defend at the 4. The spacing wouldn’t be optimal, but perhaps the Celtics can work around that.

Either way, this deal increases the probability of them having an elite interior defender on the floor at all times. Parting with Brogdon stings, but they have Derrick White.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Rudy Gobert, Boston Celtics & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates   

Meanwhile, Grant Williams seems likely to leave as a restricted free agent anyway. 

Should the Wolves want him?