The 2022 NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching and every day we learn more rumors about our favorite teams. The Los Angeles Lakers are in for an entertaining deadline, but they won’t be the only ones trying to add players to bolster their ranks.
Their archrivals Boston Celtics are as bad or worse than the Lakers, and they’re also studying to market to see what players they can land this upcoming February. At this moment, there are several bad contracts in the league, and some contenders could get some benefits from that.
The Celtics aren’t contenders, but they can improve their level if they decide to make a move for a disgruntled Western Conference star. John Wall has been linked with a move to the Los Angeles Lakers in recent days, but Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report believes the Celtics could use the point guard.
Boston Celtics Receive:
PG John Wall
F Jae’Sean Tate
2023 first-round pick (unprotected via Milwaukee Bucks)
Houston Rockets Receive:
SG Romeo Langford
G/F Josh Richardson
F/C Al Horford
Boston ranks 21st in assist percentage (58.4 percent) and 22nd in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.62) and almost certainly won’t be able to re-sign current point guard Dennis Schroder this offseason. Wall is extremely overpaid but could give the Celtics stability at the point after averaging 20.6 points, 6.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game last season.
The 31-year-old should be well-rested after sitting out the year so far, awaiting a trade while the Rockets focus on developing their young players, and he would be an added offensive force for a Celtics team in danger of missing the playoffs.
For taking on his contract, however, Boston should ask for some sweeteners.
Tate can play and defend multiple positions at 6’4″ and 230 pounds and is averaging 12.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game and is shooting 50.3 percent overall. He’d be a big do-it-all addition to the Celtics’ second unit. Getting a first-round pick next year to use or dangle as trade bait in future deals should help convince Boston to trade for Wall as well.
For Houston, this move is primarily about financial flexibility.
With Wall’s $47.4 million salary for next season off the books (assuming he picks up his player option), the Rockets can make a significant splash in free agency, especially if they waive Horford. Only $14.5 million of his $26.5 million 2022-23 salary is guaranteed.
Richardson, 28, could take over Tate’s spot in the starting lineup and is hitting 40.2 percent of his threes. He’s a solid wing defender who’s averaging 9.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game for Boston this season.
Langford, 22, has never gotten big minutes in his three seasons with the Celtics but still carries enough upside to possibly intrigue Houston. Considering the Rockets’ goal to acquire as much young talent as possible, Langford fits the bill.
Houston might not want to surrender draft capital to dump Wall’s contract, but doing so in 2023 (when it owns three first-rounders) makes it a little easier.
Wall is stuck in Houston right now, and the Celtics could offer him a good option. The All-Star playmaker hasn’t had the best tenure in Houston and he needs a change of air as soon as possible. John is ready to join a competitive team and teaming up with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum seems like a very good option for the former Washington Wizards star.
