Game 1 is almost here (if only we had a little more buildup!) and if you are a Celtics fan you have to love the opportunity that is in front of the team. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have a chance to win their first championship and do it against Kyrie Irving, the player that turned his back on the team and did his best to tank the franchise. While Irving’s decision to walk out the door remains fresh in the minds of Celtics fans it did happen five seasons ago and a lot… I mean A LOT… has happened in the NBA since then.
So, what better time than now to take a look at some of the biggest moves that have occurred that led us to this point. Before we get into the list a few caveats, first to make this as fresh as possible we are only going to take a look at moves that have taken place since the last time the Celtics were in the Finals. Also because Porzingis has not played in over a month we are going to take that trade off the table as well. That being said let’s dive into the list.
1. Damian Lillard
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 26: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half at Fiserv Forum on October 26, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
- Bucks receive: Damian Lillard
- Blazers receive: Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Bucks 2029 first-round pick (unprotected), swap rights on Bucks' 2028 and 2030 picks
- Suns receive: Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson
This is the trade that completely reshaped the Eastern Conference for this season. Lillard was the annual disgruntled superstar that was ready for a change. Giannis wanted to team up with another star and so the Bucks went all in to make their franchise player happy. And from the Bucks perspective I get it. You are not a destination franchise, your future depends on Giannis being a part of the organization, and if there is a move that can land you a stud while also keeping your star player happy it’s a no brainer. Unfortunately, for the Bucks the move didn’t work. Head Coach Adrian Griffin was blown out midway through the season and replaced with Doc Rivers. Both stars were not healthy in the playoffs and the team was bounced in the first round. The reality is even if the team was healthy the Bucks took a step back this season. In hindsight the move for Lillard appears to be an overreaction by the franchise. Last year the team won 58 games and finished first in the East. Yes, they were eliminated in the first round but again Giannis was hurt. The team clearly missed what Jrue Holiday brought to the table this season and to not only take him off the roster but also have the Celtics wind up with him was a devastating blow to the Bucks.
2. Jrue Holiday
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MAY 27: Jrue Holiday #4 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the first quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 27, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
- Celtics receive: Jrue Holiday
- Trail Blazers receive: Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III, 2024 first-round pick (via Warriors), 2029 first-round pick
This one is obvious, but it is impossible to ignore the job that Brad Stevens has done since taking over the front office for the Celtics. There are a number of deals that you can point to, but this one is at the top of the list for me. Turning a disgruntled Malcolm Brogdon, constantly injured Robert Williams III, and picks into Holiday is a steal. Not only did Holiday more than fill the void left by Marcus Smart but the bonus of immediately taking some of the shine away from the Lillard trade by dealing for Holiday just days later made this one extra sweet.
4. Kyrie Irving
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks watches a play during the first quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden on March 01, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
- Mavericks receive: Kyrie Irving, Markieff Morris
- Nets receive: Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, 2027 second-round pick, 2029 first-round pick, 2029 second-round pick
I’ll be the first to admit I never thought we would see Kyrie Irving in this position again. I won’t go over every incident that took place in Cleveland, Boston, and Brooklyn that led me to believe a franchise that wants to win a championship shouldn’t consider bringing Irving in but there was certainly a pattern that had been established by the end of his run with the Nets. On top of that the honeymoon period with those franchises continued to get shorter and shorter. That’s why when the Mavericks traded for him last year, I thought it was a disaster of a deal for Dallas. And guess what? Last year it was! The Mavs were 28-26 when they acquired Irving and they finished the season 38-44 and missed the playoffs. Simply put, the trade did not work.
So, what does any good franchise do after trading for a player that helped lead them to a disappointing end to their season and left his three previous teams in shambles? If you guessed sign him to a 3-year $126 million deal you nailed it! Yes, the Mavericks needed to make a big move to try and keep their superstar happy (are you sensing a pattern?) the move would also be best described as DESPERATE. But you know what every once in a while, teams actually connect on a Hail Mary. And in this case the Mavericks have pulled off the NBA version of the Miami Miracle. After missing a good chunk of time in the regular season Irving has been everything you could want in a 2nd star both on and off the court. I still don’t think it ends well in Dallas for Irving but does it even matter? This Finals run has already made the contract worth it for the Mavericks.
