Celtics get another great post-option
The Celtics need another player who can handle the offensive workload in the post and sometimes give Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown a rest. When those two go to the bench, they need a guy who can stay in or come in and help get some offensive points from the post. And, with how young he is, Ayton may become a better defender than Al Horford is starting to be.
Here is what the Celtics are getting in this deal:
Deandre Ayton, C – Phoenix Suns
De’Anthony Melton, PG – Philadelphia 76ers
This trade impacts the Celtics cap by just $422 thousand, which is better than it sounds. However, it helps them get what they need. Melton can be a great scorer off of the bench, as we saw not only in Philadelphia with the Sixers last season but with the Memphis Grizzlies before that, too.
And he can play a bit of defense. He plays the passing lanes well and is far more athletic than you would think. Just ask Kevon Looney, who was put on a poster by Melton.
There is no doubt that the Celtics do this trade because they are getting the best guy in the deal. However, do the Sixers do this trade?