The Boston Celtics have traded Noah Vonleh and cash to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for a conditional second-round draft pick. The protections on that pick haven't been announced, but it is likely a top-55 protected pick and unlikely to convey. In other words, San Antonio and Boston were doing each other a favor.
For Boston, the move opens up a roster spot and, at this point, saves them about $7 million in taxes. This is the first day 10-day contracts can be signed, so Boston could be looking at auditioning someone for a longer-term fit, or they could simply be waiting for a buyout candidate or an uneven, 2-for-1 type of trade later on.
For the Spurs, it helps them add salary to get to the salary floor (a minimum amount they have to pay in salary for the year). They are receiving cash from Boston to cover the cost of waiving Vonleh. It's likely Vonleh's deal was guaranteed as part of this move so it can count on San Antonio's books. The money Boston sends in the trade does not count towards the cap or tax.
For Vonleh, it's a chance to audition with another team while collecting his full salary for the season. At the very least, it's a nice benefit for him on a day when he's no longer on an NBA team.
It's a little sad that the Massachusetts native couldn't stick with the team. After a short stint in the rotation at the beginning of the year, he fell out of favor as Luke Kornet got healthy after a preseason ankle sprain. The most notable aspect of Vonleh's stint was him committing an offensive foul on an illegal screen in every game that he played.
There is a question as to what happens now with Justin Jackson. His contract is also non-guaranteed until January 10, so the Celtics have some time to make a decision on that. They could choose to go a similar route, not only saving some money on another guy who isn't part of the rotation, but giving these players a chance to hook on somwhere else. Agents like it when teams do that, and teams jockeying for position for buyout guys or free agents like to do little things like this show they're cool and will play ball when they need to.
All in all, the Vonleh move is a flexibility/cost-saving move for right now. It gives Brad Stevens options to bring guys in and every day that spot stays open, the tax bill goes down a little, so the owners are happy about that. There's a good chance it gets filled at some point in the next month one way or another.
