When NBA free agency starts, it usually takes a bit longer for restricted free agents to find homes. After all, teams can match any offer they get. That leaves ample opportunities for sign and trade situations. Recently, a major domino in the restricted free agency market fell.
Grant Williams is a Dallas Maverick. In exchange for his services, the Boston Celtics received a 2030 pick swap. They couldn’t afford his contract, so that’s a reasonable return.
They can’t necessarily afford not to replace him, either. Sure, the Celtics acquired Kristaps Porzingis this summer. That’s great, but they could use a versatile defender on the wings to replace Williams. How about Dorian Finney-Smith of the Brooklyn Nets?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F/C Al Horford, G Payton Pritchard
Boston Celtics Receive: F Dorian Finney-Smith
With that said, the Celtics found themselves in a situation that’s familiar to teams around the league. Normally, restricted free agents are earning their first major NBA contract. They are coming off of their rookie deals. If they’ve performed well, they’ll be due for a substantial raise.
That has a significant impact on a team. Sure, that player was on a good value contract – on their rookie deal. Can that team necessarily afford them on their market value?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets & Boston Celtics Updates
If the team is contending, the answer is typically “no”. Of course, if that player is a cornerstone, a team will bend over backward to retain them. On the other hand, if they’re a solid role player like Williams, they may seek to replace them with a veteran. Is Finney-Smith a good replacement for Boston?
Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal
Ironically, the Celtics will find themselves in the same situation next summer – unless they make this trade, that is. Payton Pritchard will be hitting restricted free agency. He’s unlikely to command the same price that Williams did. Still, he’ll probably get an offer that Boston can’t afford to match.
Why not trade him now? Of course, Boston is also losing Al Horford here. Won’t they need to replace him? They already have. Porzingis will likely occupy much of Horford’s previous role. Boston is gambling on good health from Robert Williams III here.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets & Boston Celtics Updates
Still, if they get it, adding a versatile defensive wing like Finney-Smith ought to make them better than a version of Horford who’s age was showing last season. Should the Nets be interested in him?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
For the Nets, this is about diversification. Yes, Finney-Smith is a highly versatile defensive wing. When his shot is falling, he’s the best player int his deal. The Nets just don’t need him.
After all, they just retained Cameron Johnson – a restricted free agent himself. Royce O’Neale is still here, and Mikal Bridges is the most important wing on the roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets & Boston Celtics Updates
By contrast, the Nets are light at point guard. Pritchard would help. Meanwhile, adding Horford gives them a backup for Nic Claxton who provides a little floor spacing. They can worry about Claxton’s extension next summer.
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