Boston Celtics rumors: C’s reportedly trading Avery Bradley to the Motor City
The Boston Celtics are reportedly clearing some much needed cap space by trading Avery Bradley to the Detroit Pistons.
The Boston Celtics have claimed the big prize in free agency by signing Gordon Hayward. In return, the team has already had to say goodbye to Kelly Olynyk, and now Avery Bradley.
As reported by multiple sources Friday morning, the Celtics are in the process of finalizing a deal that would send Bradley to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for forward Marcus Morris and a second-round pick.
While the trade is surprising, it was a necessary move to clear space for Hayward.
Sources: Detroit sending forward Marcus Morris to Boston for guard Avery Bradley.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 7, 2017
Moving on from Bradley
Avery Bradley was on the last year of his contract and was the logical – although not popular – option to move.
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His defensive pressure, outside shooting, along with his overall hustle is something the Boston Celtics will miss, but moving him will give more minutes to second-year swing man Jaylen Brown.
Originally drafted by Boston in the first-round of the 2010 NBA draft, Bradley has grown into one of the best defenders in the NBA. He has also improved his shooting, becoming a clutch scorer (16.3 pts per game in 2016-17) for the Celtics.
The only issue with Bradley is his injury history. In his seven seasons with the Celtics, he played in more than 70 games just twice. With the amount of money he will demand in free agency following the upcoming season, this is a good move by Danny Ainge.
Not only does he free up cap space with the move, the Celtics will get something in return in Marcus Morris.
Another versatile defender
Although subpar in rebounding, Morris averaged 14.0 points with the Pistons last season. He is a versatile defender capable of playing the power forward position. His outside shooting also fits the Celtics needs as he can replace what they lost in production from both Olynyk and Amir Johnson.
Related Story: Boston Celtics Guard Avery Bradley Shows His Importance
Marcus Morris also has years left on his contract so Boston will have him for the next two seasons at his current price of $5 million a season.
While the Celtics made the necessary move they needed to make room for Hayward’s max contract, don’t be surprised if Jae Crowder is still traded.
Next: Boston Celtics: Bidding adieu to Game 7 legend Kelly Olynyk
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