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NBA Trade Grades: Grizzlies Acquire Jeff Green

By Gerald Bourguet

Nov 21, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green (8) posts up against Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince (21) during the game at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Boston Celtics 117 - 100. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green (8) posts up against Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince (21) during the game at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Boston Celtics 117 - 100. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Trade Grades
Dec 14, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Austin Rivers (25) against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 128-122 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics:

The Celtics are clearly unloading and planning a full-scale rebuild. After trading Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks a few weeks ago, it was only a matter of time before veteran Jeff Green was on the way out. A free agent this upcoming summer, Boston had no interest in keeping him around, despite averaging 17.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game this season.

Green is making $9.2 million this season and has a player option worth $9.2 million for next season as well. But most importantly, after trading away both Brandan Wright and Jeff Green away, Boston now has as many as 11 first rounders saved up over the next four years:

In other words, ALL OF THE DRAFT PICKS!

The Celtics are currently only 1.5 behind the Miami Heat for the eighth seed in the East, but now that Boston has lost their leading scorer, this should plunge them into full tank mode. Even better, Prince’s contract expires at the end of the season, which will free up even more cap room for Boston.

The move gives rookie James Young an opportunity to log more minutes, just as shipping away Rondo gave rookie Marcus Smart a chance to improve in extended playing time.

This season may not be pretty to watch, but Danny Ainge has enough draft picks saved up to build a whole new franchise.

Grade: B-

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