The Celtics are no longer handicapped in their quest to add a third star alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown — at least financially speaking.
On Friday, Brad Stevens finalized his first trade as general manager, and it’s a major shakeup. The team unloaded Kemba Walker, the No. 16 overall pick in 2021 and a 2025 second-round selection to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Al Horford, Moses Brown and a 2023 second-round pick.
The Celtics were expected to shop Walker this offseason, considering the point guard’s reportedly strained relationship with the organization. But trading an injury-riddled veteran on a max deal is easier said than done. The Celtics inked Walker to a four-year, $140.8 million deal in 2019. As a result, they were well over the salary cap.
Entering this offseason, the Celtics already had $135 million committed in payroll. It seemed like their only hope for creating flexibility was waiting for Walker’s deal to expire in 2023.
But now the calculation changes. As NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg points out, the Celtics will save $9 million in salary between Walker and Horford next season. On top of that, Horford’s contract is only partially guaranteed for $14.5 million for 2022-23, which also happens to be the final year of his deal.
The Celtics have been tied to numerous star players, including Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis, though Horford would probably make him redundant. On “The Greg Hill Show” Friday, NBA reporter Jeff Goodman theorized the Celtics could now make a push for Lonzo Ball. He’s entering the final year of his deal with the Pelicans.
As a veteran NBA coach, Stevens knows the importance of placating superstars. With NBA stars demanding trades earlier in their contracts, the pressure is on the Celtics to surround Tatum with a better supporting cast.
That task just got a little easier Friday. Stevens’ swapped Walker’s bad contract for Horford’s slightly less bad deal, only being forced to part with the No. 16 overall pick. Horford is also a better fit for the Celtics, who are thin up front.
Stevens’ move to the front office was billed as a continuation of leadership. But it’s apparent he’s committed to a roster overhaul.