The Boston Celtics are trading point guard Kemba Walker to the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Along with Walker, Boston is reportedly sending the No. 16 pick in the 2021 draft and a 2025 second-rounder to Oklahoma in exchange for Al Horford, Moses Brown and a 2023 second-round pick.
The Celtics are trading Kemba Walker, the No. 16 overall pick in the 2021 draft and a 2025 second-round draft pick to Oklahoma City for Al Horford, Moses Brown and a 2023 second-round pick, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 18, 2021
The move gives the Celtics financial flexibility after moving on from the two years and $73 million left on the four-year max contract Walker signed in July 2019. Meanwhile, the Thunder have now accumulated three first-round picks in the upcoming 2021 draft in addition to a new starting point guard.
Boston gets financial flexibility moving off the $73M owed Walker with the return of Horford. OKC has three first-round picks in July now. Thunder can work with Walker on what’s next for him as they did with CP3, ‘Melo and Horford. https://t.co/xKQS56kfYh
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 18, 2021
The trade is Brad Stevens’ first move since taking over as Celtics president of basketball operations. According Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the relationship between team and player “had soured after Boston discussed dealing him after his first season with the team.”
Kemba’s relationship with the Celtics had soured after Boston discussed dealing him after his first season with the team. Celtics get off the final two years of Kemba’s contract — but need to move a big trade chip (No. 16 pick) to do it.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) June 18, 2021
Over two seasons with the Celtics, Walker averaged 19.9 points, 4.9 assists and 4.0 rebounds a game. He was named an all-star in 2019-20 for the fourth consecutive year, a streak that was snapped this past season.
The 35-year-old Horford makes a return to Boston, where he spent three seasons from 2016-19 that included an all-star appearance in 2017-18. In 28 games for the Thunder last season, Horford averaged 14.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists.
Brown, 21, played in 43 games for OKC in 2020-21 while averaging 8.6 points and 8.9 rebounds.
