Trade #1:
Boston ships: Ray Allen, Avery Bradley & Boston’s 2012 1st round pick
Indiana ships: Paul George
Why Boston does this:
They acquire a young talented building block with upside.
Why Indiana does this:
They acquire a veteran SG with playoff/Championship experience who is still the best player in the trade. They also receive a young talented combo guard who can be a defensive stopper off the bench and who also is only scratching his potential. Finally, they receive a quality 1st round pick in a very deep and talented draft.
Trade #2:
Boston ships: Paul Pierce, Brandon Bass & the Clippers 1st round pick + Boston’s 2nd round pick this year
Atlanta ships: Josh Smith & Marvin Williams
Why Boston does this:
They acquire a player who gives them youth, athleticism and who probably needs a change of scenery. Plus, he’s great friends with Rondo (say what you will, but that could really help Rondo emotionally) and more importantly, he’s friends with Dwight Howard. I’m not saying that this guarantees getting DH, but it can only help.
Why Atlanta Does this:
After months of rumors, J Smith has finally come out and made it official, he wants out. That won’t help his trade value. With this trade Atlanta gets an All-Star SF who can bring some playoff/Championship experience to a club that sorely needs it. Additionally, they get a PF in Bass who is no nonsense and can score. Maybe as important to Atlanta, they get out from under a bad contract with Marvin Williams. Also, they get valuable draft picks in a very deep and talented draft.
I believe both trades allow the Celtics to get younger, more athletic, bigger, and provides them with an opportunity to sign Dwight Howard. I’m not saying they will, but at least they’ll have a chance.