Proposed trade sends Boston Celtics playoff killer to the Cs from rival

In a mock trade proposal from NBA Analysis Network, Caleb Martin, the premier Boston Celtics playoff killer from the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, will join the Cs from bitter rival Miami. Malcolm Brogdon, the current Sixth Man of the Year, and the $57 million left on Duncan Robinson’s deal would be transferred to Boston’s cap sheet in exchange, giving the Heat Malcolm Brogdon. James Piercey of NBA Analysis Network thinks the Celtics would acquire two valuable rotation members in the transaction.

Piercey said, “Martin is an exceptionally useful addition to this lineup,” and added, “In some ways, he can replace the recently departed Grant Williams. He can offer a comparable mix of 3-and-D abilities with a bit extra shot production. He’ll fit right in with this group and help them develop.

Actually, Robinson ought to be included in this rotation. Although he has several limitations outside of his shooting, he would undoubtedly be the best shooter on this lineup. Finally, even if dealing him was never Plan A, the Celtics might be pleased to release Brogdon from his contract if he does have injury concerns.

Caleb Martin is the ideal Boston Celtics addition, but Duncan Robinson is not

Finding cheap players that could play a positionless type of basketball is a key objective for the Boston Celtics given the salary cap’s rising trend and the fact that Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White have amassed nearly $100 million in cap space alone.

Martin comes in. No player in the league is capable of scoring in a manner that can change the course of a game at the level Martin is paying, and no one has ever done so on a stage comparable to the one Martin used in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals. Martin had 19.3 points and 6.4 rebounds over the course of the seven-game series and was a serious contender for series MVP after scoring 26 and 28 points in Game 7 in tandem with Jimmy Butler.

On the other hand, Robinson is not the kind of acquisition that the Celtics front staff ought to be looking for. But if it means getting Martin, it’s a difficult pill to swallow, especially since Robinson might end up actually filling Sam Hauser’s current position as a contributor.