Boston Celtics: This shocking Kemba Walker trade idea is maddening

This Bleacher Report trade that would shock the Boston Celtics fanbase is maddening, yet intriguing.

Following a disappointing exit from the Eastern Conference Finals, all eyes will be on Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge to make the necessary improvements to get his team over the hump in 2021.

Known for his aggressive trade approach, no potential trade would be more shocking than a trade idea put out there by Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz involving not Gordon Hayward or Marcus Smart, but Kemba Walker.

Yes, Kemba Walker.

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In his article, “Trades that would shock every NBA Fanbase,” Swartz has Kemba Walker and Enes Kanter (which would require a sign-and-trade) going to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Dejounte Murray, LaMarcus Aldridge and the 2020 No. 11 overall pick.

At first glance,  both shocking and maddening definitely, but here is the supporting argument:

"“With Walker as the third option moving forward, the Celtics could flip him now while his value is still high and get some much-needed frontcourt help.Aldridge is still playing at a high level (18.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.6 blocks) and has developed a nice outside shot (38.9 percent from three). He would be a huge upgrade over Daniel Theis at center and bring nine years of playoff experience.Murray, 24, would better align with the Celtics’ young wings than Walker, giving them an elite defensive backcourt with either Brown or Marcus Smart.”"

Maddening for Boston Celtics fans

Due to the leadership Kemba Walker provided this season, his presence on the team has been invaluable.  Not only is he an intense competitor the team needs, he is a lethal scorer when he is healthy.  Now, during this playoff run, Walker was not fully healthy, but he still had his moments in his first playoff experience.

But the Boston Celtics were obviously missing a viable big man who could provide a presence down low while stretching the floor.  Kudos to Daniel Theis and his gutsy performance throughout the playoffs, but a LaMarcus Aldridge would be an upgrade, age and all.  Plus, he can replace that leadership although he is not known to be as clutch as Kemba Walker, but he doesn’t need to be.

With the emergence of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Walker did fall back as a third option.  Having a presence like Aldridge or any scoring big man would just make them that much better.  But the really intrigue of this trade idea is a young point guard in Dejounte Murray and that No. 11 pick overall.

Yes, intriguing for Boston Celtics going forward

Now, I doubt Greg Popovich would make this type of deal with the Boston Celtics, but Murray would give the Celtics a younger and bigger point guard who would be a nice compliment to both Tatum and Brown.  And, just imagine what Ainge could do with two lottery picks.  In my opinion, a swap of the No.11 and No. 14 pick would make sense, but if Ainge somehow had both those picks, the Celtics phones would certainly be ringing on draft day.

Which brings to mind another intriguing value the addition of LaMarcus Aldridge would present in this interesting trade idea.  That experience and leadership could help both Theis and Robert Williams, but also become valuable with any big man Danny Ainge does draft.

While it would definitely be shocking to trade away a born leader like Kemba Walker, the trade has benefits for both teams.  First, the Boston Celtics would be building around the duo to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown and secondly, they would get a player in Dejounte Murray who could form a great defensive backcourt duo along with Marcus Smart.