Boston Celtics: Kendrick Perkins Traded For Jeff Green Along With Other Trades
In hopes of finding an athletic and productive wing-man, the Boston Celtics have traded center Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic. Nate Robinson has also been included in the deal for financial reasons.
Boston has been looking for a backup to Paul Pierce, and Jeff Green fills that role perfectly. He has the ability to play power forward as well, but will primarily be used as a small forward.
Jeff Green was originally drafted with the fifth overall pick by the Celtics in the 2007 NBA Draft and was subsequently traded in a package to the Thunder in exchange for Ray Allen. Green is currently averaging 15.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
Nenad Krstic is an average defensive center who, like Perkins, will not be counted upon for offense. He is slightly more skilled than Perkins on the offensive end but is a big step down defensively.
Recently, Perkins rejected a contract offer from the Celtics which was reportedly worth four years/$30 million (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/581054-kendrick-perkins-turns-down-the-boston-celtics-offer).
Krstic's contract is up at the end of this season, similar to Perkins's contract.
Jeff Green is signed through this season with a qualifying offer worth $5.9 million next season.
The trade depletes Boston's advantage in big men against other Eastern Conference rivals. With Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal already battling injuries, the Celtics have now lost their best defensive center. Semih Erden is returning from injury and is still adjusting to the NBA game.
No question the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic are ecstatic over this deal. Dwight Howard will be almost impossible to cover now, and Miami's lack of big men depth is now less of a factor.
Glen Davis is going to have to step up his game and become a consistent force on both ends of the court. Davis' contract is also expiring at the end of this season and this trade gives his camp more leverage against the Celtics.
Update/More Deals:
The Celtics will also get the LA Clippers 2012 first round draft pick, which the Thunder own. The pick is top 10 protected.
The Celtics have also sent Semih Erden and Luke Harangody to the Cleveland Cavaliers in return for a 2013 second right pick. This trade makes no sense unless the Celtics are simply clearing roster space in preparation for another move or signing a player who will be bought out (Troy Murphy anyone?).
Marquis Daniels has been traded to the Sacramento Kings for cash considerations.
