The Celtics Should Trade For Kevin Huerter With Their Massive Trade Exception
If anyone knew how much time I’ve spent researching how the Celtics can use their massive trade exception this offseason, people would seriously judge me. The Diamond put together a list of names that Boston could use for their largest trade exception. Plan A needs to be Kevin Huerter and the Celtics can’t take no for an answer.
Huerter is the best fit out of any player that makes under $17.1 million which is what the trade exception covers. Huerter may not be an A-level defender but his 6-foot-7 length matters and he’s definitely not a tire fire like Duncan Robinson is. His shooting is elite and it’s not something the Celtics even have on the roster unless you’re somehow including Payton Pritchard. Huerter represents something the Celtics don’t have. An elite shooter off the bench.
Best of all, he fits the timeline. The contract is great. Under team control for another four years at $65 million total. Huerter will be entering his age 24 season and feels like something that can be sold as a get over the hump piece after a Finals appearance. Oh, and the Celtics have shown interest in the past.
The Hawks need to shake things up. They were one of the most disappointing teams in the league. It’s now or never time for Trae Young. It’s also not out of the question Atlanta starts experimenting with his supporting cast. Huerter could be had this offseason.
How much could it really cost? Are the Hawks really going to bend you over here? Who knows, maybe. Christian Wood didn’t cost that much. Neither did Jerami Grant. Both are universally considered better players.
Can Aaron Nesmith and a couple second rounders get it done? A 2023 first? The draft rights to Yam Madar? Let’s figure out a way to get it done without digging into any of the real rotation players on the roster. Focus on getting the possible asset with the trade exception. That guy has to be Huerter.
Bradley Beal might be the ultimate pipe dream but there is no obvious trade on the table at the moment. How much do you really want to rock the boat after a Finals run with a really young core? Shooters fit any roster and Boston doesn’t really have anybody considered an elite shooter on the team. It makes too much sense. Do whatever it takes.
