The Boston Celtics looked like they may not make a move before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, but ended up making a deal in a four-team trade.
In what may be a confusing trade the Celtics will acquire point guard Isaiah Thomas from the Phoenix Suns. Boston sends the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ 2016 first-round pick and Marcus Thornton to the Suns. Additionally, Brandon Knight will go to the Suns with Michael Carter-Williams, Tyler Ennis and Miles Plumlee heading to the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers will receive picks in the deal.
Thomas joins the Celtics after only a half-season with the Suns. The guard averaged 15.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists over 46 games this season.
Prior to being dealt to the Suns, Thomas spent three seasons (2011-2014) with the Sacramento Kings where he averaged 15.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists over 216 games. He was drafted in the second-round (60th overall) of the 2011 NBA Draft by the Kings.
Thornton departs the Celtics also after only a half-season. The guard joined Boston in the three-team with the Brooklyn Nets and Cavaliers. In his short time with the Celtics, the 27-year-old averaged 8.9 points, 1.9 rebounds and 0.9 assists over 39 games. He will now join fifth team since entering the NBA.
Of course Boston’s part of this deal was not as big as the Suns, but it continues to look like the Celtics are working hard at trying to rebuild this historic franchise and bring it back to a team that can contend for championships year in and year out.
Hamilton, Massachusetts native Carter-Williams will also be on the move in this four-team deal. The former first-round (11th overall) pick averaged 16.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists over two years with the Sixers.