Not a Celtics trade, but watching the Thunder, I was trying to figure out how to improve their roster.
Harkless and Leonard for Kanter and Roberson
or
Crabbe for Kanter
This would give the Blazers more consistent scoring inside. I know it doesn't add defense, which is sorely needed, but I am big about doubling down on strengths. Kanter is great in the pick and roll, and so are Lillard and McCullom. Their scoring would be elite. If Aminu and Crabbe/Harkless can focus more on defense, this roster could be pretty dangerous offensively. Roberson is also one of the best defenders in the NBA, so maybe he starts too. Besides, a few years ago the Blazers offered the contract to Kanter that the Thunder matched.
This would give the Thunder a solid wing player who can play physically and shoot. I know they like Kanter's scoring off the bench, but he doesn't play in crunch time right now, and Harkless (or Crabbe) would play in crunch time. Both can shoot, which would stretch the floor way better than Roberson does. With Oladipo, Westbrook, Harkless, and Adams, their fourth could be a wing or a big, depending on how they want to play. Sabonis looks pretty good so far. so does Grant and Morrow. Laveurgne and Abrines give them good minutes too.
This trade just makes too much sense to me for both teams. Neither can probably beat the Warriors in a 7 game series, but the Blazers can score with them a little more and the Thunder could grind against them a little more.
Thoughts?