Top 3 biggest trades made in the 2021 NBA off-season so far

The 2021 NBA offseason has sprung up with some surprise trades this offseason, ranging from Russell Westbrook going to the LA Lakers to OKC Thunder landing Kemba Walker.

However, this is just the start, and fans can expect more blockbuster moves ahead of the start of the 2021-22 NBA campaign.

3 massive trades that have gone through in the 2021-22 NBA offseason

An NBA offseason is never dull despite no on-court action taking place, as there is always player movement and NBA trade rumors that keep you busy as a fan.

The 2021 NBA offseason has been quite entertaining, and on that note, let's take a look at the top three trades that franchises have made so far.

#3 - Josh Richardson to Boston Celtics

Dallas Mavericks v Portland Trail Blazers

The Boston Celtics recently acquired Josh Richardson from the Dallas Mavericks in a three-team trade that sent Tristan Thompson to the Sacramento Kings.

Richardson joined the Celtics with one year and $11.6 million left on his contract, allowing them to use their remaining Gordon Hayward TPE.

Richardson was one of the better defensive-minded guards with the Miami Heat, but his last two years in the league have been disappointing. The Philadelphia 76ers landed Richardson in the Jimmy Butler sign-and-trade but parted ways with him after a disappointing season.

The Mavericks are finalizing a trade that would send Josh Richardson to the Celtics, per @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/jNQ1CRaDuA
— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) July 31, 2021

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The Dallas Mavericks also didn't get the optimum production from him, which means the Boston Celtics have taken a clear punt on the two-guard.

Josh Richardson averaged 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists per game for the Dallas Mavericks last season. However, if played with the right personnel, he can provide the 17-time NBA champions with good role player minutes.

Josh Richardson has the potential to be a lockdown defender and knock down his three-point shots on offense. Richardson had a career year with the Miami Heat in 2018-19, averaging 16 points and four assists on 41% shooting from the field.

Josh Richardson's best play came when he was used as a ballhandler PG for the Miami Heat. The Celtics have long-wanted to put more size on the floor with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to be more switchable on defense.Just speculating on fit here for Richardson.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 31, 2021

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#2 - Kemba Walker to OKC Thunder

Boston Celtics v Brooklyn Nets - Game Two

Brad Stevens started his tenure as president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics with a power move, sending Kemba Walker to the OKC Thunder to get rid of his contract.

The Celtics had to part ways with the 16th pick in this year's NBA draft and a 2025 second-round selection for letting Walker go, but they managed to get his hefty two-year $73-million contract off their books.

In his two years with the Boston Celtics, Kemba Walker averaged 20 and 19 points, respectively. Walker was a liability on the defensive side of the ball, and the Celtics were also unable to get the desired offensive output from him.

Walker's departure makes the Boston Celtics roster extremely thin at the point guard position, and it's no surprise that the franchise will go after a playmaker in the coming days despite their cap space situation.

#1 - Russell Westbrook to LA Lakers

Philadelphia 76ers v Washington Wizards - Game Three

The LA Lakers sent a warning across the league, landing 2017 MVP Russell Westbrook in a blockbuster move in the 2021 NBA offseason. Westbrook will team up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in Los Angeles, effectively making them one of the best teams in the league on paper.

Westbrook leads the league in triple-doubles, a feat he achieved last season by overtaking Milwaukee Bucks great Oscar Robertson.

The 32-year-old is one of the best passers and rebounders at the guard position in the NBA, and the LA Lakers are sure to benefit from playing both him and LeBron James, two of the finest playmakers, in the starting lineup.

Russell Westbrook does hamper the LA Lakers' already weak spacing but fits the bill for an aggressive point guard perfectly.

The Lakers have been building their brand lately as a physical team that can play lockdown defense in the latter stages of the game. Westbrook's tenacity should help them bag a record 18th NBA championship in the upcoming season.