2. The Boston Celtics have every reason to give Kemba Walker away for cheap
The main goal here for the Boston Celtics is moving on from Kemba Walker’s contract. It is clear that Walker is not a great fit in Boston and that the relationship simply was not meant to be. The problem for the Celtics is that they owe a lot of money to Walker and he restricts the team from getting better in any sense moving forward.
Walker is under contract for another two seasons, counting his player option for the 2022-23 season. While the Celtics could theoretically be patient, they also do not want to waste the potential that they have in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. As we see time and time again, stars can get upset and want out quickly.
Thus, the Celtics have every season to flip Walker’s one massive contract for multiple smaller contracts that helps the depth of the roster while making the situation more manageable.
The trade:
Celtics fans might not say this is enough for a former all-star but you have to gauge the situation. The most value in this trade for Boston is getting rid of Kemba and his contract. Maybe you can convince the Lakers to throw in the 22nd pick this year but that is as far as it will go.
Schroder simply has to agree to a three-year deal worth $60 million with a player option in that third year. That is more than a fair price after his performance last season. Throw in Kyle Kuzma’s increased salary in 2021 and boom: the money matches.
So why would Boston do this? Schroder at $20 million is not a great deal and Kuzma is not the same valuable young piece that he was two years ago.
The reason being is that they can try things out with Schroder, as they also do not have an avenue to pivot at point guard, and if it does not work his contract is going to be significantly easier to move. Kuzma gives the team wing depth and has a nice in-between contract to pair in a trade in the future if needed.
The Celtics are consolidating the assets and getting out of the contract. The Los Angeles Lakers are taking the gamble that Walker can be better because they do not have many other options.
It is a risky move for both sides but with the position that both teams are in, it makes sense.