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The Boston Celtics traded Kemba Walker to the OKC Thunder today, giving away 2021 first-round and 2025 second-round picks in the process. The move allowed the Celtics to clear a considerable amount of cap space for the upcoming offseason, as they owed Walker $73 million over the next two years.
The Boston Celtics now have much-needed financial flexibility, which they could use to potentially add a point guard in the summer.
5 playmakers the Boston Celtics should look to target to fill the void left by Kemba Walker's departure
The Boston Celtics will be looking to add a point guard in the 2021 NBA offseason to replace Kemba Walker. Here are five options the 17-time NBA champions should look at:
#5 Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball is expected to be on multiple teams' radar this offseason, considering how good he was during the entirety of the 2020-21 NBA season. Ball averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists, shooting an impressive 37% from downtown.
He was impactful on both ends of the floor, and proved that he can flourish in an off-the-ball role as well, as Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson were the primary ball handlers for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Lonzo Ball will be a great pickup for the Boston Celtics, as he is both a facilitator on offense and a strong presence on the defensive end. He is a restricted free agent, but the Celtics should be able to pry him away from the Pelicans with the right offer.
#4 Reggie Jackson
Reggie Jackson forced the NBA fraternity to take notice during the 2021 NBA Playoffs Round 2 battle between the LA Clippers and Utah Jazz. Jackson averaged 18 points and 4 assists on a stellar 50% shooting from the deep.
What's astonishing is that 31-year old is on a minimum contract this season, and a decent offer from the Boston Celtics could be enough for Jackson to join them. The LA Clippers might find it difficult to keep Jackson considering their cap status.
Also Read: How did Oklahoma City Thunder's draft picks change after the Kemba Walker trade?
#3 Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose is coming off a solid year with the New York Knicks, tallying a stat line of 14 points and 4 assists on 48% shooting from the field. He was one of the contenders to win the Sixth Man of the Year and has done an incredible job of bouncing back from a couple of injury-ridden seasons.
The Boston Celtics are set to miss Kemba Walker's playmaking ability, which Derrick Rose can come in and account for. Rose is also a capable shot-maker, who can provide the Boston Celtics with a punch in scoring.
#2 Austin Rivers
Adept at playing both point guard and shooting guard positions, Austin Rivers is expected to generate a lot of interest this summer. Rivers will likely be on a contender at the start of the 2021-22 NBA season, and the Boston Celtics are a team that should look to swoop in for him.
Austin Rivers has a versatile offensive package and can hold more than his own on defense. He shot a respectable 37% from downtown in the 2020-21 campaign, and could be a valuable addition to the Boston Celtics roster.
#1 Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry is certain to leave the Toronto Raptors this offseason and will be on multiple teams' radar considering how influential the point guard's game is. Lowry averaged 17 points, 5 rebound and 7 assists during the regular season, shooting 39.6% from behind the 3-point arc.
The Boston Celtics have had back-to-back star point guards Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker, and Lowry seems to be the best replacement for Walker, considering his status as a franchise's leading guard.
Lowry is a two-way player who can orchestrate offense and even play off-the-ball when needed, making him a brilliant fit alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
However, the only way the Celtics can acquire Lowry is through a sign-and-trade deal.
Also Read: 3 Biggest needs the New York Knicks must address in the 2021 NBA offseason
