It is no secret that the Boston Celtics are looking to be very active in the trade market. In addition, the New Orleans Pelicans have reportedly been shopping Lonzo Ball, JJ Redick, and Eric Bledsoe. Celtics GM, Danny Ainge, has made it known that the Celtics are looking for a big man and a wing, and while the three Pelicans mentioned before do not fit that description, the Pelicans just might have what the Celtics need.
When the Celtics picked up Kemba Walker from the Charlotte Hornets, they expected him to be a bit better than he has been. Walker recently returned from a knee injury, and even without the bad knee, Walker has not been the Kyrie Irving replacement Celtics fans were hoping for. In addition, Walker is a defensive liability due to his size and overall defensive ability. While Kemba Walker is a great player, he just doesn’t seem to be the answer for the Celtics. The Celtics also have some problems at the center position. Daniel Theis is an excellent center, but if the Celtics hope to advance past teams like the Bucks and 76ers, they need to improve more at that position, and a trade with New Orleans could be the answer.
This trade would send Kemba Walker, Tristan Thompson, and a 2022 second round pick to New Orleans in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Steven Adams, and JJ Redick. This trade makes a lot of sense for the Celtics. While Lonzo Ball may not be the offensive talent that Kemba Walker is, the Celtics don’t need more offense. What the Celtics need is defense, and Lonzo Ball is an excellent perimeter defender as well as an incredible playmaker. Adding an elite passer to the Celtics offensive stars in Tatum and Brown would be a big help to the Celtics.
JJ Redick, on the other hand would provide a veteran presence on a very young Boston team and solid scoring off the bench. While he has not been great for the Pelicans, averaging only 7.9 points per game, that is likely to change as the season progresses. Steven Adams would sure up the Celtics defense in the paint and provide a large defensive presence. Adams is currently averaging 9.3 rebounds per game as well, ensuring some much-needed rebounding for Boston. This trade will improve the Celtics defense drastically. Add that to another capable big man in Theis coming off the bench, and the Celtics could be well on their way to a championship run.
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