Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal 

Let’s put it this way: if Anunoby is equipped to handle a bigger role, the Celtics will be able to give him one. He’ll be replacing Jaylen Brown. 

Of course, he doesn’t have to do that. Anunoby is one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA. He could come to Boston and play the exact same way he has in Toronto and still justify this deal. 

After all, the Celtics are also getting Fred VanVleet via sign-and-trade here. Anunoby could make up for the absence of Brown’s perimeter defense – in fact, he’d be an upgrade – while VanVleet can replace his shot creation. 

Perhaps that’s not an optimal solution. It’s a patchwork replacement of Brown.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors & Portland Trail Blazers Updates

Still, if he intends on leaving the team next summer anyway, the Celtics won’t have much of a choice. 

Should the Raptors facilitate his move to Portland?