Kevin Durant's expected trade could indirectly impact the Celtics' summer by opening a path for Boston to offload salary as a third team in a larger deal.
The Boston Celtics are heading into a crucial offseason, with potential roster changes looming due to financial constraints and luxury tax concerns under the new CBA.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant
MIN: 36.53
PTS: 26.56 (60.27%)
REB: 6.03
As: 4.24
ST: 0.81
BL: 1.24
TO: 3.06
GM: 62
That makes it unlikely the Celtics will be aggressive acquirers this summer— even for someone like Kevin Durant, arguably the biggest name available on the trade market—unless a major piece like Jaylen Brown is included in a deal.
Still, with KD expected to leave the Phoenix Suns, according to Brian Robb of MassLive, Boston could find themselves involved in a potential trade.
However, they're more likely to act as a third team in a larger deal, rather than as Durant's primary destination.
KD is set to earn $54.7 million next season, so any trade involving him will require significant outgoing salary from the team acquiring him. These types of blockbuster trades often open the door for a third—or even fourth—team to get involved.
"Given Boston's need to move some excess salary this offseason, they certainly could try to work their way into a deal to help move secondary pieces," Robb reported. "The other aspect of this worth watching for Boston, naturally, is where Durant ends up."
Credit AP - Scanpix
Naturally, the Celtics would prefer to see Durant remain in the Western Conference, which would help keep the league's balance of power away from the East as Boston retools around Jayson Tatum, who is recovering from a torn Achilles.
For now, Durant could stay in the West, with the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs among the teams best positioned to offer strong trade packages.
KD just wrapped up a season averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 62 games. He shot 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from three.
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