The Boston Celtics took the first big step in their active offseason. Late Monday night, they traded veteran guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks. While the move didn't bring the Celtics below the second apron like they intend to do this summer, it gave them added flexibility, some cap savings, and a talented young point guard whom they can re-sign and develop.
What this trade means, however, is that the Celtics aren't done dealing yet. They need to continue to shed salary before next season, meaning that Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White, and Sam Hauser could still be in trouble.
While GM Brad Stevens will certainly leave no stone unturned and consider any trade that brings good value in return, the Celtics need to add a big man in their next trade, regardless of who they are trading.
Walker Kessler Is the Perfect Fit for the Post-Jrue Holiday Celtics
One big man they should prioritize adding now is Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz. The Celtics have gotten smaller and defensively worse after switching Holiday with Simons. They will be more porous on the perimeter, which means that a reliable defensive anchor in the backline would be the perfect fit.
Not only should Kessler be near the top of their list because of his fit, but he also gives the Celtics huge financial savings. He is set to make $4.8 million for next season. While this complicates salary-matching in a potential trade, the Celtics could find a way to add a third team, or have Utah include one of Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson in the deal to make the math work.
There have been rumors about Utah's interest in Porzingis. If the Celtics can turn KP and some draft capital into Kessler and Sexton (who they could flip again after), they would inch significantly closer to below the second apron while adding high-level talent.
This would be a complicated trade for financial reasons, but GM Stevens has shown time and again that he doesn't hesitate to make brave, creative deals, and this would be yet another one.