ESPN: Celtics could cut ties with $60 million All-Star via trade to Rockets…

The Boston Celtics could be on the verge of making a major move involving one of their All-Star players, potentially cutting ties with a $60 million talent in a trade with the Houston Rockets. As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Celtics are reportedly exploring options to reshuffle their roster, and this player, whose contract is set to pay him a substantial amount over the coming seasons, could be part of a deal that benefits both teams.

At the heart of this potential trade scenario is a star player whose performance has been inconsistent or whose fit with the Celtics’ championship aspirations may be in question. While the player has shown glimpses of excellence, whether due to injury concerns or lack of synergy with Boston’s core, the Celtics’ front office may feel that it’s time to move on and acquire assets that better align with their goals. Trading a high-salaried player like this could allow Boston to clear cap space, making room for future acquisitions or better complementing the existing roster around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

The Rockets, on the other hand, have been in a rebuilding phase for several years, and acquiring a proven All-Star could be a significant step forward in their efforts to accelerate the development of their young roster. Houston’s front office, led by a group eager to establish a competitive team, could view this player as a seasoned leader who can contribute immediately. This trade would offer the Rockets a chance to add a dynamic talent while pairing him with their rising stars, such as Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and rookie Amen Thompson, potentially setting the stage for a more competitive future.

While details of the proposed trade remain speculative, both teams have motivations to make such a move. For the Celtics, the opportunity to shed a hefty contract and acquire valuable assets such as young players, draft picks, or salary cap flexibility could be appealing. For