Would trading for New Orleans Pelicans big man Willy Hernangomez make more sense than Jakob Poeltl for the Boston Celtics?
By now, most fans have heard about the Celtics’ rumored interest in acquiring San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl, presumably as insurance and as a minutes-eater to preserve the legs of Boston bigs Robert Williams III and Al Horford for the postseason.
But such a trade would likely be costly, as would bringing the German big man back in free agency this summer. Instead, ESPN’s Bobby Marks proposes a trade for New Orleans Pelicans center Willy Hernangomez that could make more sense for what the Celtics need.
Currently seeing his minutes decrease due to the Pelicans’ frontcourt needs being met by better players, Hernangomez could play an elastic role with Boston. His 6-foot-11 frame and ability to adapt to whatever role his teams have needed in the past suggest he’d be a good fit.
— Dr. Justin Quinn (@justinquinnn) January 17, 2023
Though he doesn’t have much of a game away from the basket, he can at least hit an occasional jumper near the bucket and works hard on the boards every night.
Averaging 6.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in just under 12 minutes per game while earning just $2.4 million this season and a similar amount next, Boston could do far worse than dealing the two second-rounders Marks envisions as the cost.
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
