Teams in search of the playoffs and more benefit as the Celtics continue to acquire assets.
The Boston Celtics made two trades this past week. First, they dealt recently acquired forward Brandan Wright to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for a 2015 1st round pick they owned from the Minnesota Timberwolves that is top-12 protected. Then on Monday, a three-team trade involving the Celtics, Memphis Grizzles, and New Orleans Pelicans sent Jeff Green to Memphis in exchange for Tayshaun Prince and a future 1st round pick from Memphis, and guard Austin Rivers from New Orleans.
If these mid-season trades sound familiar, it’s because last January the Celtics made a similar move, trading MarShon Brooks and Jordan Crawford to the Golden State Warriors as part of a three team trade that sent them the Miami Heat’s 2015 and 2016 first round picks, along with Joel Anthony. As of today, Boston has eleven first round picks over the next four seasons.
Based on recent history, the Celtics activity in the trade market shouldn’t be surprising. Despite playing themselves close to the last playoff spot the past two seasons, Boston has little desire to make the playoffs, instead acquiring as many assets as possible in the hopes they will land a franchise player in the draft or acquire one down the line by dealing a number of the picks.
Boston seems more than willing help teams win in the short term, so long as the return are players or picks that will help them win in the long run. The results are two trades that appear, at least on paper, to have benefited every team involved.
Starting with Wright to Phoenix, the Celtics dealt one of the best finishers at the rim in the league, as Wright holds a field goal percentage of 72.5, and makes 84.4 percent of shots within three feet or less. He’s a great option on the pick and roll, and his athleticism should fit well with the fast-paced Suns, who currently have the third fastest pace in the league. Wright has the opportunity to become the starter in Phoenix, and should he succeed in that role his value will certainly increase in free agency.
Phoenix is gambling that Wright will work out and ultimately not become a half-season loan, but they are looking to separate themselves from the bottom half of the West, and they hope Wright will help them increase their current two game lead over New Orleans for the final playoff spot.
For Boston, the first round pick may or may not end up theirs, since it depends on how Minnesota plays the next two seasons. The pick is top 12 protected the next two seasons, and afterwards becomes two second round picks, meaning unless Minnesota makes considerable improvements next season, Boston will more than likely receive the two second rounders. Still, considering this pick is part of the return for trading Rajon Rondo (since Wright was part of that deal), this is good value for Boston.
With the Jeff Green trade, the Celtics receive slightly less value in return for their leading scorer. A 2019 first round pick is a bit of a wildcard, it’s ultimate value will change depending on where Memphis is as a team in four seasons. In the short term, the deal saves them a potential $9.4 million next should Green decide to accept the player option after this season. The players Boston received, Tayshaun Prince and Austin Rivers, are unlikely to stick with the team, as Prince could be bought out, while Rivers could be dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers to play for his father.
Memphis, in return, receives a considerable upgrade at forward. Green is averaging 17.6 points and 4.2 rebounds a game this season, and will provide considerable more scoring than current starter Tony Allen, who is arguably the best on ball defender in the league, which makes up for his deficiencies on offense. Green can play both the three and four positions, meaning Memphis may be able to play some small ball if they so choose. However the Grizzles decide to use Green, he is a strong pick up for one of the best team’s in the West. While it’s too early to suggest he makes them a title contender, Green certainly improves an already elite team.
The third team involved, New Orleans, gave away very little to pick a good defender and role player in Quincy Pondexter. While he only averages 4.5 points a game, the Pelicans needed to upgrade their front court depth, and his defense should improve a team that ranks 25th in opponent field goal percentage. New Orleans also receives a future second round pick from Memphis, which is basically the Grizzles way of sweetening the deal.
It’s unclear whether the Celtics are done making moves this season. Avery Bradley, who is arguably the best player remaining on the roster, just signed a four year extension with the team this past offseason, meaning the Celtics value him long term. Players like Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk could garner some interest, but Boston seems to value their development. More than likely, Boston will keep this roster together for the rest of the season, unless a deal presents itself that would give them more assets in return.
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