Hardwood Houdini’s latest ambitious mock adds a third All-Star to the Boston Celtics lineup without giving up any in return Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
While everyone in the NBA is talking about the Boston Celtics trading for Kevin Durant, perhaps another All-Star could be coming instead this offseason — at a price that doesn’t send away any of Boston’s.
Jaylen Brown has long been linked to not only Durant over the years, but also Anthony Davis, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard, to name a few. Even still, Brown is ‘all in’ on the franchise moving forward.
Boston should reward that and him with an extension at the first chance they can. In the meantime, Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens should explore upgrades elsewhere if the right deal comes along.
Today, Hardwood Houdini comes up with a trade that fits that bill. Here is a blockbuster proposal that adds a third All-Star to a lineup already featuring All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum and likely future All-NBAer Jaylen Brown:
Adding a third switchable two-way wing capable of scoring 20 points per game is a gamble that could result in one of the toughest lineups to contend with in the entire league. Andrew Wiggins has ascended to the level many expected of him in Minnesota during his time with the Warriors, and after playing a pivotal role in the 2022 NBA Finals, he now brings championship experience to the table.
A key element of the deal besides Wiggins would be the 2025 first-round pick. That selection could become a lottery pick if Golden State makes the mistake of extending two 32-year-olds (Klay Thompson, Draymond Green) on big-money deals and passes on extending Jordan Poole or Wiggins.
In a year’s time, the Warriors GM Bob Myers will have to make a decision on the contracts of Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins. A year after that, it’ll be round two with Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
While winning championships is worth delving into the luxury tax for, this Dubs roster could become enormously expensive during the post-prime years of their dynastic core — one that has won four titles together.
Golden State would do well to add a true rim-protector at the 5 in Robert Williams, and two bench pieces in Derrick White and Grant Williams that could stretch the floor and contribute to the defensive identity of a Steve Kerr-coached squad.
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