Fri, Jun 18, 2021 at 9:45am

KEMBA WALKER TRADED TO THE THUNDER

The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired guard Kemba Walker, a first-round draft pick in 2021 (No. 16 overall) and a second-round draft pick in 2025 from the Boston Celtics for center Moses Brown, forward Al Horford and a second-round draft pick in 2023.

What does it give the Oklahoma City Thunder
In Brad Stevens' first move as Boston's president of basketball operations, he decided to move on from Walker's contract by sweetening the deal with the 16th overall selection in this year's draft. The Celtics also get back Horford, who was a popular player in Boston before signing with Philadelphia as a free agent in 2019. However, it is the potential of center Brown that may end up being the key to this deal from a Boston point of view.

What does it give the Boston Celtics
For the Thunder, getting Walker and a first-rounder in this year's draft (which now gives them three first selections for 2021) was a no-brainer decision. Horford was no longer in the team's plans, so his inclusion in this trade is an added bonus. Oklahoma City was forced to part with Brown, who showed loads of promise down the stretch this past season, but as the old adage suggests: you must give up something to get something.

Fantasy impact
Walker may be more comfortable away from the pressure and spotlight of Boston, so his fantasy fortunes could rise with the Thunder. He will also have the support of budding superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a backcourt mate. Brown's stock is also rising, although he joins a crowded Celtics center situation. Horford may not play regularly anymore, so he should not be much of a fantasy consideration in 2021-22.