Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics continue to navigate an offseason full of questions. One of the names drawing early speculation? First-round pick Hugo González.
The 19-year-old wing carries significant upside, but trade vultures are already circling. One scenario — floated by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley — would send González and a 2026 second-round pick to the Washington Wizards in exchange for forward Justin Champagnie.
But should Boston consider it?
The Trade Pitch
Boston Celtics receive: Justin Champagnie
Washington Wizards receive: Hugo González and a 2026 second-round pick (via MIN, NYK, NOP or POR)
Does Champagnie Move the Needle for the Celtics?
The motivation is clear: add veteran depth while Jayson Tatum recovers from his Achilles injury. Champagnie is a solid rotation player, averaging 8.8 points and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 38.3% from three.
As Buckley noted:
“Boston is preparing to backtrack this season, but it won’t want to stay down for long. Whenever Jayson Tatum is ready to return from his ruptured Achilles, the Celtics should once again challenge for control of the Eastern Conference.”
If that’s the goal — and it should be — then Champagnie is unlikely to move the needle. He brings shooting and familiarity as a former Celtic, but he projects more as a deep bench piece once Tatum returns. Trading long-term upside for marginal short-term help is the kind of decision that can haunt front offices.
Justin Champagnie 24-25 scoring, rebounding, and defending 🎥
Stats last 60 games per 75 possessions:
14.3 PPG9.1 REB62.4 2PT%38.3 3PT%1.7 STL1.0 BLK pic.twitter.com/AnkpJOLT24
— 💫 DreFC (@HsgvensSon) July 22, 2025
Hugo González: The Asset Boston Should Keep
On the other side, González represents untapped potential. Once considered a top-five prospect, the Real Madrid product has the type of long-term upside Boston usually covets.
His numbers last season — just 5.2 points and 2.5 rebounds in 14.2 minutes — don’t reflect the full story.
“Don’t obsess over the numbers,” draft analyst Tyler Rucker warned. “Situation is BIG one to understand. Hugo has the goods.”
Celtics president Brad Stevens has also made it clear that Boston values González highly, noting they had “tracked his development in Spain for quite some time” and that “he’s got all the intangibles of a winning basketball player.” — via Celtics on X.
Celtics’ Financial Reality
This offseason, the Celtics have already parted ways with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis while juggling Tatum’s recovery timeline. In that context, young, cost-controlled talent is more valuable than ever.
González is on a rookie contract through at least 2027, with team options that give Boston flexibility and cost certainty. Champagnie, while serviceable, comes with immediate salary commitments but without the same long-term upside.
Shout-out to Hugo Gonzalez ☘️
Celtics rookie stays really active on both sides of the floor. Last night he got 13 points (2-4 on threes) to go with five rebounds, two assists and a block in a win over against the Los Angeles Lakers in Vegas: pic.twitter.com/nUl2Nxjyd4
— Tomek Kordylewski (@Timi_093) July 18, 2025
The Verdict
For Washington, this deal would be a no-brainer — flip a rotation piece for a lottery-level prospect and draft capital. That’s exactly the playbook of a rebuilding franchise.
For Boston, though, it doesn’t add up. Trading González for Champagnie doesn’t meaningfully change their 2025–26 outlook and does nothing to solve the cap sheet.
Instead of chasing short-term upgrades, the Celtics should lean into developing their rookie and preparing for Tatum’s return. In a summer full of uncertainty, keeping their most promising prospect might be the smartest move of all.