The Boston Celtics have some decisions to make ahead of the trade deadline. They have a traded player exception from the Gordon Hayward sign and trade meaning that the team has some money to throw around.
Boston continues to spiral towards a depressing 2021. If they keep performing as they have in recent weeks they will be lucky to even make the playoffs.
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One of the reasons for Boston’s struggles is the poor play of Kemba Walker. His knee issues seem to finally be catching up to him. This is a problem that C’s fans are too familiar with.
It’s honestly stunning how far we come but it might be time to move on from Walker. He isn’t the guy in Boston anymore. That role belongs to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
These young players will be the reason that Boston wins a championship. They don’t need Walker holding them back.
So with money at their disposal and Danny Ainge being the ultimate deal maker, here are three trade targets for the C’s that could replace Walker.
Celtics rumors: 3 trade targets to replace Kemba Walker – Spencer Dinwiddie
While the Brooklyn Nets are loving life with Kyrie Irving and James Harden, they could make some moves to strengthen their defense or better suit their roster for a championship run. Unloading Spencer Dinwiddie is definitley on the table.
Dinwiddie is coming off his best season in the NBA. He averaged 20 points a game along with six assists.
Now this season hasn’t treated Dinwiddie well, he tore his ACL and it seemed like his season was over.
But Dinwiddie has expressed a desire to return. With the Nets disagreeing, this opens up the chance for the Celtics to acquire him.
This could be a steal for Danny Ainge. If Dinwiddie is upset the Nets will want to unload him so the C’s could get a good deal.
Celtics fans will likely worry about his injury, but Dinwiddie will be ready to prove him wrong. It could be a win-win for both sides.
Celtics rumors: 3 trade targets to replace Kemba Walker – Dejounte Murray
If the Celtics want to go younger, Dejounte Murray is definitley an option. With the Spurs not being the contenders that they once were.
Murray won’t score like Dinwiddie, but he is a perfect prototypical point guard. He averages five assists along with 15 points a game.
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Murray’s youth would be a great asset. He would be the perfect sidekick for Brown and Tatum as the organization heads into the future with these young stars.
Besides that, Murray is great on defense. He would be a much better option than Walker. Especially with Boston’s struggles, that should get C’s fans excited.
Also, the salary works with the TPE. Murray’s salary hit is just over $14 million. Overall it shouldn’t cost the Celtics too much. They likely wouldn’t have to give up a key player such as Marcus Smart. They could use picks and some younger players to acquire Murray.
Being able to acquire a young talent without giving up too much is rare in today’s NBA. The Celtics can’t miss out on this opportunity.
So while it might not be a flashy move, acquiring Murray would be a great move for the future of the Celtics. He is a prototypical point guard with the skills that Boston needs to succeed and win a championship with the young core of Tatum and Brown.
Celtics rumors: 3 trade targets to replace Kemba Walker – Kyle Lowry
This move would be very high risk, but if it works Boston will be lifting a championship banner. Kyle Lowry would be a significant upgrade from Kemba Walker.
Lowry has been a key part of the Raptors organization for a long time now., but with the team struggling, they might want to move on from the veteran.
Even though he is in his mid-30’s, Lowry is still putting up great numbers. So far this season he is averaging 17.7 points and 6.5 assists a game. Adding that to Tatum and Brown would make the Celtics a serious contender.
The issue is that Lowry has an expiring contract. It likely could be a one and done deal for Boston. If they are unable to re-sign him and they fail to win a championship, it could be a massive disaster.
But if the Celtics win or they are able to keep Lowry in Boston, it could be a massive success for the C’s.
So the Celtics definitley have some options to replace Kemba. These moves could turn things around for the C’s and help them win a championship.