Did the Celtics force the Toronto Raptors into a trade?

A short-handed Boston Celtics team defeated a full-strength Toronto Raptors less than 24 hours before they made the trade.

A short-handed Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors on Friday (Dec. 29.) Missing Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis, Joe Mazzulla‘s team still found a way to overcome a strong effort from Toronto to ensure they remained undefeated on their home floor.

On Saturday (Dec. 30) the Raptors agreed to a deal with the New York Knicks. The trade looks like this: The Knicks get OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn. The Raptors get: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a second-round draft pick. Following the trade, the hosts of the “Green With Envy” podcast discussed where Boston’s ability to defeat a full-strength Raptors team while missing multiple starters was the final straw in Toronto’s decision-making process.

The Raptors have long been rumored to be harboring notions of an Anunoby trade, yet they’ve always resisted that temptation until now.

You can watch the full discussion surrounding any potential role the Celtics played in the trade by clicking on the embedded video above.

You can watch the full episode by clicking on the embedded video above.

Listen to the “Green With Envy” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DoLhYK

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Oj4dhD

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3K8MbvY

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