The Celtics had a number of different options at their disposal when this offseason began. Faced with the prospect of replacing their best two players for potentially no compensation, the case could be made for three different paths.
Bringing aboard a max target like Kemba Walker was one route with the cap room opening up following Al Horford’s planned departure and some other maneuvers. Signing two younger pieces with a portion of the cap room was a separate path (think Malcolm Brogdon and Kevon Looney). The other alternative was simply renting out the cap room for additional assets to strengthen the team’s ability to make a move for the next available star.
There are certainly questions about bringing aboard Walker. His age (29) doesn’t necessarily align well with the younger pieces on this roster, while committing big money to him leaves a major hole in the frontcourt for the time being. Whether or not he is worthy of a four-year max is a topic that was not clear cut as recently as last season.
When it comes to realistic talent acquisition though, it’s evident Walker is the best option the Celtics had available in the present. A just as compelling question, though, points to Boston’s future with him. What can they do with his hefty salary on the books for the long-term? And would they have had more options without him? A closer examination of the possibilities shows why the Celtics showed no hesitation in going after the 6-foot-1 guard.
2019-20 Cap situation
Kemba Walker: $32.7 million
Gordon Hayward: $32.7 million
Marcus Smart: $12.6 million
Jayson Tatum: $7.8 million
Jaylen Brown: $6.5 million
Guerschon Yabusele: $3.1 million
Robert Williams: $1.9 million
Semi Ojeleye: $1.3 million
Romeo Langford (No. 14 pick): $3.45 million
Grant Williams (No. 22 pick): $2.38 million
Carsen Edwards (No. 33 pick: $897,158
Cap Hold 1: $897,158