Trade Deadline Marathon: Celtics and Spurs Make a Changing of the Guard

(Via TradeNBA.com)

Celtics receive: PG Patty Mills

Spurts: PG Jeff Teague, F Grant Williams Aaron Nesmith, 2021 2nd round pick

Why the Celtics would do it:

Boston needs to prepare for the very real possibility that Kemba Walker does not return to form this season. Yes, he’s had some encouraging flashes as of late. But the former All-Star does not look prepared to lead a deep postseason run.

On any given night Walker’s defense or health may render him unplayable - just ask the Miami Heat. In trading for Patty Mills, the Celtics bring on a scrappy, seasoned champion ready to bolster the guard rotation.

Mills is having one of his most productive seasons as a pro to date, and offers shooting, energy, and defense off the bench. Bringing in Mills would give head coach Brad Stevens a lot more flexibility in ball-handling, too.

The Celtics know they’re a step removed from bonafide contention. A move like this could help tighten the screws down the stretch. The Spurs, meanwhile, are about to take on some water.

Why the Spurs would do it:

San Antonio has already played far beyond preseason expectations. But the team has one of the harder remaining schedules, and has next to no chance of actually competing for a title this year.

While the Spurs love to fight to the bitter end, and making an in-season move is quite uncharacteristic, San Antonio could get a jump on next year by trading for a few assets.

The impending departure of LaMarcus Aldridge means the Spurs will need a bit of help in the front court. Grant Williams is the smart, flexible kind of player that does particularly well under head coach Gregg Popovich. A second-round pick doesn’t hurt, either.

Patty Mills could very well end his career with the Spurs. But he could also help someone make a splash in the coming postseason. San Antonio needs to read the tea leaves and start getting ready for the future.

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