On Friday, it was reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN that the Boston Celtics will trade Kemba Walker to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Al Horford.
The Celtics will also send the No. 16 pick in the NBA draft and a 2025 second-round pick to the Thunder as part of the trade. Oklahoma City is prepared to include center Moses Brown and a 2023 second-round pick in the deal.
The reported trade marks the first move for Brad Stevens as Celtics president after assuming the role earlier this month. The deal comes after there was reportedly growing turmoil between Walker and the Celtics as the four-time All-Star will now move on after two years in Boston.
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Boston will now see some relief in cap space as Walker is owed $73 million over the next two seasons while Horford is owed $53 million over the same time period. They will see $20 million in cap savings once the trade is completed.
Thank you to Clay Bennett, Sam Presti, Mark Daigneault, my teammates and the entire Thunder organization for their professionalism during my time in Oklahoma City. While it was short, it was first class all the way and me and my family are extremely thankful and appreciative.
— Al Horford (@Al_Horford) June 18, 2021
On the other side, the Thunder now have three first-round picks this year.
Oklahoma City has its own pick, which is currently slotted fourth before the lottery, the incoming pick from the Celtics and a first-round pick from the Houston Rockets, which is protected for the top four. The pick from the Rockets could be fifth or 18th if it falls outside the top four.
The trade, on the surface, appears to be a win for both sides with the Celtics getting financial relief and the Thunder acquiring additional assets to build toward the future.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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