Breaking down the Avery Bradley trade between the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons
In order to create space for Gordon Hayward, the Boston Celtics traded Avery Bradley (and a second-round pick) to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Marcus Morris.
How does this trade impact each team?
How It Impacts Detroit
This was a no-brainer for the Pistons. They’re getting one of the best on-ball defenders in the NBA in Avery Bradley. His offence has also become pretty lethal over the past couple of seasons as well.
Also, considering that the Pistons were 100 percent ready to pay Kentavious Caldwell-Pope the max money that he was seeking on the restricted free agent market, adding a player like Bradley is the next best thing.
Even though they’ll eventually have to pay Bradley, they have an extra year to really come to that conclusion. If nothing else, they could still move him at the NBA Trade Deadline.
Avery Bradley is pretty much a slightly better version of KCP anyway, so now Detroit can actually afford to lose him.
The Detroit Pistons won this deal, no doubt.
How It Impacts Boston
This move was a bit confusing from Boston’s perspective.
For a start, they lose their best perimeter defender who did such a good job at taking pressure off Isaiah Thomas on defense. Now, Thomas will be more exposed on that end of the floor.
Also, the Celtics now have a log jam at the wing position, adding Morris to the mix. They now have to find minutes for Gordon Hayward, Jae Crowder, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Taytum and now Morris.
They are going to have to trade at least one of these guys (most likely Jae Crowder).
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On the bright side, Morris does have a very affordable contract. He’s also versatile and is more than capable of suiting up at the 4 spot.
We’ll have to wait and see if more moves are coming for the Celtics.