The NBA madness continues. Just weeks after the huge Boston Celtics bombshells on Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens, we get another on one of their key players. Kemba Walker is being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for former Celtics center Al Horford.
The full details were reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski:
This is a full circle moment for both the Celtics and Horford. The 14-year NBA star spent three seasons in Beantown, earning himself one All-Star appearance during that stretch. He averaged 13.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in those three seasons.
While Horford's on-court production wasn't exactly eye-popping, it was his steadying presence and veteran savvy that made him extra valuable to a team needing stern leadership. While he had a down year after leaving the Celtics for the Philadelphia 76ers, he proved he could still contribute at a high level with the Thunder in limited spurts last season. With OKC in a full rebuild, they eventually shut down the big man to be able to play their younger talent such as the Boston-bound Moses Brown.
The Thunder once again escape as sly bandits in this one, receiving draft capital to take on Al Horford in the first place, then getting even more to trade him away. OKC's collection of draft picks is truly impressive.
As for Walker, we'll see how long he stays with the Thunder. Sam Presti could look to flip him elsewhere at some point. The veteran guard spent just two injury-plagued seasons in Boston after signing a massive four-year deal.