Mavericks trade pitch lands two-time Celtics champion for two rotation players

After Jayson Tatum's unfortunate Achilles injury for the Boston Celtics, it remains uncertain what the plan is for Brad Stevens. Steven said on Monday that the Celtics still believe they can compete, which isn’t the worst thought. 

On paper, the Celtics are still a very talented team, and if things break their way, they should have a chance to win a championship in 2025-26, depending on how things look with Tatum.

However, the Celtics are also expected to cut money. One of the players that could be impacted by that is Jrue Holiday, one of the top guard defenders in the NBA. 

Proposing deals for the Celtics to improve their roster and more, Dan Favale of Bleacher Report pitches the idea of the Celtics trading him to the Dallas Mavericks in a three-team deal with the Brooklyn Nets. The trade would net the Celtics Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington. 

“Jayson Tatum’s devastating Achilles injury stands to fast-track the Celtics’ inevitable cost-cutting in the face of the second apron. This trade wouldn't get them out of it, but it would lay the groundwork for a bunch of different options.

“Washington could help offset some of the Tatum minutes (positionally speaking). Gafford would be valuable big-man insurance with Al Horford entering free agency (and turning 39) and with Kristaps Porziņģis' questionable bill of health,” he wrote. 

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Washington is an athletic wing player who can finish around the rim and has shot three-pointers at an above-average rate throughout his career. Gafford, who hits free agency after next year, could also be a decent piece for Boston.

If all they had to do was move Holiday and a pick or two for this deal, it could be something that makes sense.