Toronto Raptors: 3 rumors from Atlantic rivals that aren’t good news
By Mike Luciano
2. Celtics looking to offload Kemba Walker.
On the surface, Walker’s raw box score numbers make it seem like he’s producing, as he is averaging just south of 20 points per game on 42% shooting. However, the Celtics gave him such a ridiculous contract with the expectation he would score like he did with the Hornets, and he has fallen short of that goal.
After shooting just 32% in Boston’s playoff series against the Nets, league sources claim that coach-turned-executive Brad Stevens looks to move off of him. One of two scenarios could come of this, and neither of those are particularly good for the Raptors.
Kemba Walker getting traded could improve the Celtics and hurt the Raptors.
The Celtics could look to reverse Danny Ainge’s old policy of refusing to give assets up in order to acquire a superstar with Walker heading the other way. On the flip side of that coin, Walker could be offloaded in a salary dump, giving Boston the financial flexibility to surround their two star youngsters.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will be good enough to get Boston to the postseason, but they will need to find either two cheaper tertiary options or another star to form a deadly Big Three. Walker could regain his old form, but trading him could open up a world of possibilities for Boston, very few of which are good for Toronto.