Dallas Mavericks trade grade: Josh Richardson shipped to Boston

Boston Celtics grade for acquiring Josh Richardson from the Dallas Mavericks

The Celtics created a massive trade exception when they shipped Gordon Hayward to the Hornets in Nov. 2020. They used part of it to acquire Evan Fournier at the deadline, and the rest to grab Josh Richardson here. It allows Boston to add another rotation piece, but at the cost of a young talented big man that showed flashes in Oklahoma City.

The Celtics have been busy this summer. Danny Ainge retired with Brad Stevens going from head coach to president of basketball operations. Stevens traded Kemba Walker for Al Horford and Moses Brown during the playoffs before making multiple moves on July 30. They finished a three-team deal that allowed Boston to acquire Kris Dunn and Bruno Fernando prior to grabbing J-Rich from Dallas.

Richardson gives the Celtics some much-needed wing depth. The 27-year-old averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 steal in 30.3 minutes per game last season. J-Rich should play a significant role in Boston next season. He is likely to start alongside Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and Al Horford as the Celtics look to grab a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference.

Boston Celtics grade for Josh Richardson trade with Dallas Mavericks: C

Boston improves next season by making this deal. Their trade exception would have gone to waste without it, but they had no reason to give up Brown. The Celtics add a veteran wing that has been a starter and key contributor on three different teams over the last five years. Yes, his time in Dallas did not go as planned, but Josh Richardson is still a talented player that will help the Celtics win. The grade drops to a C with inclusion of Brown.

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