The Celtics and Thunder weren’t content with just being top-tier playoff contenders, swapping starters yesterday in a surprising deadline deal.
The Celtics sought a throwback to their style of play during their 2008 championship run, sending center Kendrick Perkins to Oklahoma City and acquiring forward Jeff Green and center Nenad Krstic.
“I’m just as surprised as everyone else was,” said LeBron James, whose Heat.
The Celtics also dealt three-time slam dunk champion Nate Robinson to the Thunder and received a 2012 first-round draft pick and cash in the deal that was approved by the NBA about five hours after the trade deadline. The draft pick was previously owned by the Los Angeles Clippers.
The diminutive Robinson took to his Twitter account after the deal was completed. He said: “All I can say is wowzers.”
“Will miss all my Boston fans I love y’all, u guys showed me love, E.House shoes tough to fill and y’all made it EZ for me to fill em,” Robinson tweeted.
Perkins recently returned from a knee injury he sustained in Game 6 of the NBA finals. Once loaded with interior size, the Celtics will now have to hope Shaquille O’Neal or Jermaine O’Neal get healthy in time for the playoffs.
“We had a unique opportunity to add a proven presence in our front court in acquiring Kendrick,” Thunder general manager Sam Presti said. “He will help anchor our defense while Nate will add depth and athleticism to our backcourt.”
The Celtics also dealt Marquis Daniels and cash considerations to the Kings in exchange for a protected second-round pick in the 2017 draft, and rookies Luke Harangody and Semih Erden to the Cavaliers for a second-round pick in 2013.
CAVS ACQUIRE BARON
Just hours before the league’s trading deadline, the struggling Cavs acquired point guard Baron Davis and an unprotected 2011 first-round draft pick from the Los Angeles Clippers for guard Mo Williams and forward Jamario Moon.
WALLACE TO BLAZERS
The Bobcats agreed to trade forward Gerald Wallace to the Trail Blazers for a package that includes two first-round picks as owner Michael Jordan cuts payroll and eyes the future.
Coach Paul Silas confirmed the deal made just before the deadline would also give the Bobcats little-used center Joel Przybilla and reserve forward Dante Cunningham.
The Bobcats also sent backup center Nazr Mohammed to Oklahoma City for reserve forward D.J. White and the expiring contract of guard Morris Peterson.
ROCKETS’ NEW DIRECTION
The Rockets sent point guard Aaron Brooks to Phoenix and forward Shane Battier to Memphis in separate deals to bring guard Goran Dragic and center Hasheem Thabeet to Houston.
The Rockets also get first-round draft picks from both teams and shipped rookie guard Ish Smith to the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies also tried to swap guard O.J. Mayo to Indiana in a deal that wasn’t concluded before the trade deadline. Heisley said it was a bittersweet situation because Memphis was trying to ease a crowd at guard and add help at the 2-3 position.
RIP STAYS PUT IN DETROIT
The Pistons wanted to deal Richard Hamilton and the $20 million he’s guaranteed to make over the next two seasons, but couldn’t make a win-win trade with a team that wanted the three-time All-Star.
