Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley came up with a mock trade proposal that’d replace Robert Williams III in the Boston Celtics frontcourt: swapping out Jordan Walsh and/or a future first-round draft selection for Charlotte Hornets big man Nick Richards.
“The Celtics could absolutely feel they need more frontcourt protection than they’ve had this season, which could put Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards on their radar,” Buckley prefaced before saying, “He is a rock-solid, reliable and athletic 7-footer who’d help replace some of the bounce and paint protection they lost when they had to include Robert Williams III in the Jrue Holiday trade.
“Richards would be the hardest to get of the players we’ve discussed, but he probably isn’t off-limits. Not when the rebuilding Hornets need more assets and already have their building-block big man in Mark Williams. It might take a package headlined by a protected first-rounder or even 20-year-old rookie Jordan Walsh, but the certainty the Celtics would receive at the center spot might be worth it.”
Nick Richards a perfect low-cost big-man for Boston Celtics frontcourt
Buckley definitely cooked here.
It may take years before the Celtics have a legitimate role for Arkansas product Jordan Walsh given the ascension of Sam Hauser behind All-NBA wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, so finding him a place he can grow as soon as possible could be the best thing Brad Stevens can do for his development.
Now can Walsh develop in Charlotte? Based on Grant Williams’ rise as a leader in the Queen City, maybe. Just maybe. But that wouldn’t be Boston’s problem any longer anyway.
Richards, who will make $5 million in 2024-25 and doesn’t have a guaranteed salary in 2025-26, is the perfect dice-roll for the Celtics. If he’s sturdiness enough of as a two-way rim-runner, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford could have more guilt-free days off next season. With Xavier Tillman and Luke Kornet’s futures in the air, finding someone who can provide quality pivot minutes at a cheap rate is a relevant need for the C’s front office.
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