The Boston Celtics have had a disappointing offseason, navigating a retooling effort driven by looming financial constraints.
The team traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers and Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks in moves aimed at shedding salary. Boston also lost Luke Kornet to the San Antonio Spurs in free agency, and veteran big man Al Horford is not expected to return, though he’s still weighing his options on the open market.
However, Connor Thoms of Bleacher Report recently floated a blockbuster mock trade that would net the club a new star big man: Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings.
MORE: NBA writer calls Celtics’ offseason a ‘bummer’ amid retooling effort
Here’s Thoms’ proposed trade:
Celtics receive: Domantas Sabonis
Kings receive: Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser, Georges Niang, Neemias Queta, two first-round picks
Sabonis has been a nightly double-double threat since becoming a full-time starter with the Indiana Pacers in the 2019-20 campaign. His all-around production and ability to stuff the stat sheet would make him a strong fit for a Celtics team looking to stay in the title hunt.
A versatile big man, the 29-year-old is also an elite playmaker for his position, averaging 6.4 assists per game over the past six seasons. With Boston lacking a decorated starting center, this proposed deal would land the team one of the best in the business.
Of course, the club would have to part with Anfernee Simons, who was just acquired from Portland in the Holiday trade. The 26-year-old guard is also on an expiring contract. Fan-favorite Sam Hauser would be included in the deal as well, along with two future first-round picks. For the Kings, the package could represent a step toward rebuilding after missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
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