Written By Owen Finn

On July 1st the Celtics made two moves that many believe helped their roster. They Acquired Guard Malcolm Brogdon from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Daniel Theis, Aaron Nesmith, Malik Fitts, Nik Stauskas, Juwan Morgan, and a future 2023 First Round Pick. For the Celtics this move was ideal while not giving up any key rotation players for a two-way star in this league. Brogdon was hurt for the most of the 2021-2022 NBA season, he only played in 36 games for the Pacers. The Celtics have always been linked to Brogdon ever since he decided to leave the Milwaukee Bucks. Brogdon is very good friends with Celtics star Jaylen Brown, as they are both presidents of the NBA Players Association. Brogdon who averaged 19 point per game in 2022 will have an immediate impact for the Champions of the Eastern Conference.

In Brad Stevens second move of the day he signed free agent forward Danillo Gallinari. Gallinari was traded to the Spurs in the Dejounte Murray deal earlier this week, which ultimatley the Spurs decided it was best to waive Gallinari and his 22 million dollar contract. Danny Ainge would be very proud as he was trying to lure Gallinari to the Celtics for years before Brad Stevens got the job done. Gallinari averaged 11.7 points per game for the Atlanta Hawks. Gallo will have an impact off the bench in a wing role for the Celtics that provides three point shooting that they are in need off.

So Whats next for the Celtics? Well we can first look at back up big men since they lost Daniel Theis. One name that sticks out to be is former Wizard Center Thomas Bryant. Chris Haynes reported yesterday that the Celtics have significant interest in the big man joined by the Lakers who are also in the mix. Bryant is the backup big man that the Celtics need he has a high motor who can also space the floor to knockdown three pointers. Another Vet to fill-out the roster? What about our old friend Avery Bradley. Avery Bradley found himself fighting for the struggling Lakers last season but in this case as a reunion in Boston, he could bring that veteran that we need while also being able to contribute off the bench.

Maybe the most surprising part of yesterdays Celtics trade was that they did not have to use their 17 million in their Evan Fournier Traded Player Exception. At this point I would not expect the Celtics to use this after the Brogdon trade when they don’t have many more assets to ship off. If they were to make a trade with the exception I wouldn’t look for a big splash. Maybe you look at Terrence Ross in Orlando and maybe he wants a fresh start with a new team. What about another old friend, Jae Crowder. This trade makes the most sense to me, as he is on an expiring contract, also as Kevin Durant listed the Suns as one of his preferred destinations they might want to ship out some salary for cheap.

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