The Boston Celtics are used to winning. This is one of the NBA’s most decorated franchises – if not the most. In recent years, the Celtics have enjoyed plenty of success as well. With that said, they’ve fallen short of the ultimate prize. The Celtics haven’t won an NBA title since 2008.
That’s not for a lack of trying. Meanwhile, the Celtics have been busy this summer in hopes of preparing for another title run. Moving Marcus Smart couldn’t have been easy. Still, acquiring Kristaps Porzingis made it worth the team’s time. They’ll be dangerous next season.
If they could rely on Robert Williams III, that would hold even truer. Unfortunately, he’s frequently injured. With that in mind, a rebuilding team could still be interested in taking a gamble on the young big man. What about the Portland Trail Blazers?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: C Robert Williams III, F/C Al Horford, G Payton Pritchard
Boston Celtics Receive: F Jerami Grant
Meanwhile, it hasn’t necessarily been a busy summer for the Blazers. With that said, it hasn’t been a quiet one, either. The Blazers’ summer has been defined by the move they haven’t made – yet.
Sometimes, it’s hard to remember this team just drafted Scoot Henderson. Typically, that would be cause for unequivocal celebration. Henderson looks like a future superstar. He’s likely to be this team’s franchise player for years to come. With that said, it’s a little more complicated for Henderson in Portland.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Boston Celtics & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
After all, Damian Lillard is there. Of course, he wants to be traded. Meanwhile, this situation has presented further complications for the Blazers. They extended Jerami Grant this summer. If they’d known Lillard would request a trade, they may have made a different decision. Is this a good way for them to move on from him?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
The Blazers ought to have some buyer’s remorse regarding Grant. He’s a fantastic player, but he doesn’t suit a rebuild. This is a win-now player. If the Blazers trade Lillard, they should look for value for Grant.
In all likelihood, he’s worth a first-round pick. The Blazers aren’t getting one in this return. If this organization wants to be risk-averse, they may pass on this deal. On the other hand, if they feel like taking a chance, this one could pay off in a big way.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Boston Celtics & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
After all, Williams III has been electrifying when healthy. This is an elite defensive big who can defend the rim and guard across positions. Meanwhile, Pritchard is the opposite of Henderson – an unathletic point guard with elite floor spacing. In other words, he’s his perfect long-term backup. Should the Celtics play a role in uniting the pair?
Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal
The Celtics may want to hold off on this deal. If Williams III is having a strong season, they could opt to gamble on his health again. At the same time, he’s at risk of getting injured at any moment.
By contrast, Grant is an iron man. He’s also a much better offensive player. Grant is a reliable floor spacer who can create his own shot. He’s also got some defensive value, if less than Williams III. The Celtics could decide that he’s worth the trade-off.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Boston Celtics & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Otherwise, this is a no-brainer for Boston. Pritchard is due for an extension next summer, and Boston is unlikely to pay him. Horford is aging – in last year’s playoffs, it started to show. Replacing him with Grant should make them a much better team – even if it makes their summer a bit busier.
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