Boston Celtics: 3 Worst Trades of the Past 10 Years

The Boston Celtics are one of the most successful franchises in professional sports. There have been numerous trades in the team's storied history, and many have led the Celtics to championship glory.

The team has continued their success in the past 10 years, adding another NBA title in 2008.

However, the team has not been immune to the occasional mistake during the past decade.

3) Vin Baker Trade

On July 22, 2002, the Celtics traded Kenny Anderson, Joesph Forte, and Vitaly Potapenko to the Seattle Supersonics for Vin Baker and Shammond Williams.

Baker was a disgruntled player known for his nonexistent work ethic which was best exemplified by his showing up after the 1998-1999 lockout weighing 300 pounds.

Baker’s divisive attitude continued during his time in Boston—there were numerous stories of alcoholism and Baker binge drinking before games.

As well as being a tumultuous locker room presence, Baker’s game also deteriorated greatly during his time with the team.

2) Joe Johnson Trade

On February 20, 2002, the Celtics traded Joe Johnson, Randy Brown, and Milt Palacio to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Tony Delk and Rodney Rodgers.

The Celtics didn’t know it at the time, but when they traded away Joe Johnson, they were trading away a player who would go on to become one of the most prolific scorers in the league.

Johnson has made five straight All-star teams and has averaged over 20 points per game five times in his career. The players Boston received in the deal, Tony Delk and Rodney Rodgers, were decent role players for the team, but had nowhere near the impact a player like Johnson would have.

1) Kendrick Perkins Trade

This was the most discussed trade of the 2010-2011 NBA season. The Celtics traded Perkins for swingman Jeff Green and center Nenad Kristic.

The trade on paper looked like a great deal for the Celtics. Green was a young, athletic, versatile player who could play either forward position, and Perkins was a player who contributed very little on offense. However, Perkins was a key player for the Celtics because of his toughness and defensive ability.

In the playoffs the Celtics were unable to protect the paint and were dominated on the interior by unheralded players such as Joel Anthony. The Celtics missed Perkins' defensive presence dearly, and Jeff Green’s poor play throughout the playoffs didn’t help, either.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers took pride in the fact that the starting lineup of Garnett, Pierce, Allen, Rondo, and Perkins won a title the year in which all five were healthy. The team's chemistry was a huge part of its success. Perkins did the dirty work and was willing to put his body on the line for the sake of the team.

When Perkins was traded, the Celtics lost not only him—they lost their identity.