Trade Idea: Wizards-Boston

[DefenseWinsChamps]

So Davis was just traded for three expiring contracts (Middleton, Brahham, Bagley), one very unproven prospect (Johnson), the OKC 2026 1st rounder (30), a top-20 protected pick in 2030 from the Warriors, and 3 second rounders.

The Celtics do not have expirings that add up to that amount, but they do have a couple veterans with positive value. If they offered White, Hauser, Vooch (SnT for 10m a year over 2 years), that would be comparable value to what the Wizards traded to get him.

White, Hauser, Vooch > Middleton, Branham, Bagley, Johnson, two late firsts, and 3 seconds

By my math, they would be under the tax line and with some maneuvering, could stay there.

I don't really want Anthony Davis, but there's no doubt that if he stayed healthy, he'd be a great fit next to the Js on both sides of the court. It's a good upside trade similar to the Porzingis trade a few years ago (with the same team).

For the Wizards, they get a good guard to pair with Young, and a decent quality big to play with Sarr while they continue their rebuild around their young. If they want, they can continue to rehab players like Young and White, and then trade them for more pieces at the deadline. It's probably easier to trade White, Hauser, and Vooch, than to trade Davis' massive contract.

[Vermont Green]

Don't see it.  BOS would have way too much money tied up in those 3 big contracts.  About $173M with Davis at about $58.5M.  I think WAS is going to make a run with Young and Davis plus all their kids.  They are going to try to be a good team and restock at the same time.  It probably won't work, Davis will get hurt, but it seems this is what they are setting up to do.

Trae Young ($49M) is a more likely (but still not very likely) target.  He is only at $48M, that is still a lot to tie up with your top 3 but that is nearly $10M more to work with.  The package could be similar, White, Hauser, plus Vucevic S&T, these likely going to other teams.  For example, there would be interest in White from teams that could send young players or picks to WAS.  I am not a huge fan of Trae Young, but he would add a new dimension to the offense, that is for sure.

Again, not saying it is likely or that I love it, but more likely than a deal for Davis.

[Moranis]

Brown and 27 for Young and 1

[jambr380]

Brown and 27 for Young and 1

Well, obviously, but WAS would never ever consider it. Maybe if they had landed at 3 or 4, but they aren't trading AJ for a nearly 30 y/o Jaylen Brown. They might do it for Tatum, but I wouldn't

[Vermont Green]

Brown and 27 for Young and 1

Ha, yeah, that might not be a bad trade for BOS.  I wouldn't do it if I was WAS though.  At least Young should be well rested after sitting out most of the season to help with the Tank.  I don't see BOS as better year 1 for this trade, unless they decide to tank the season.