The Boston Celtics are sending perimeter ace Avery Bradley and a 2019 second-round pick to the Detroit Pistons in return for Marcus Morris, according to Shams Charania of The Vertical. Both the Los Angeles Lakers and the L.A. Clippers were aggressive candidates to land Bradley in the past 24 hours, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
This trade is a definite win-win for these two Eastern Conference teams, giving max space for the Celtics to sign Gordon Hayward to his hefty multi-year deal and the Pistons an elite perimeter hawk with an ever-improving offensive game.
The acquisition of Bradley likely spells the end for restricted free agent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and any hopes of a return to the motor city, given that his rebounding prowess isn't fully what the small forward position demands. Moving away from KCP means Detroit is moving toward a Tobias Harris-based offense at the small forward position, having proved to be the most efficient player on the floor last season.
Bradley is in the last year of his contract and had a dubious future due to Boston's financial structure with their recent acquisition in free agency. Detroit can put the pedal to the metal and lock down a potential new deal with him, promise that Bradley long has wanted to get, according to sources.
Getting Morris gives the Celtics a natural at the power forward position while freeing a potential consequent trade of Jae Crowder, who has grown grudges against the Celtics and its fanbase ever since they cheered for Hayward during a game between the two teams.
Morris has proved to be a versatile forward, flourishing under Stan Van Gundy‘s system at both ends — his motor could match that of a Crowder, but take away any resentment and displeasure toward the organization.
This trade addresses positions of need for both teams, while also giving them the necessary space to make consequent moves during this free agency window.
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