I said it at the time of the trade, it only makes sense if you flip Horford or stretch him for cap space to sign a top FA. So will judge that deal this offseason
This is the answer. All of you other guys are over-thinking this.
The Celtics’ trade for Horford — and, for that matter, extending Richardson into next year — are about packaging attractive, expiring contracts with draft picks for a max-level player next summer. Yes, it’s a gamble, but the team felt a mid-1st was worth it. We’ll see.
Also, if I read another person ask why the team sign-and-traded Rozier for Kemba I will explode. First, NO ONE thought Kemba’s knees would crumble within a year, and if they tell you otherwise they are either lying or have an orthopedic crystal ball. Second, Kemba in Charlotte was seen as one of the top PGs in the league. Third, Charlotte also offered him a boatload of money — just not as much as they could have under the CBA — which irked Kemba and drove him out of town. Fourth, Kemba was super in the beginning with Boston and started the All Star Game that year. Lastly, Rozier was a train wreck in his last year in Boston, both in terms of his play and his contributions to the ugly team dynamics, and people around the league were stunned that Charlotte was eager to offer him north of $20m per year. I’m sorry that this trade didn’t work out, but just because I feel that way doesn’t mean the team was stupid for making it.