:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55609427/usa_today_9150239.0.jpg)
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski dropped an early “Woj bomb” on Twitter this morning, announcing that the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons are nearing a deal involving Avery Bradley to clear up the cap space Boston needs to sign Gordon Hayward.
The Boston Celtics are finalizing a trade to send Avery Bradley to Detroit, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 7, 2017
According to Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports, the trade will involve Detroit sending Marcus Morris, in exchange for Avery Bradley and a 2019 second-round pick.
Sources: Detroit sending forward Marcus Morris to Boston for guard Avery Bradley.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 7, 2017
Boston also sending a 2019 second-round pick to Detroit, league sources say. https://t.co/EmyZBoIoO3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 7, 2017
Up until now, it seemed as if the Jazz were the front-runners in the race for a trade with Boston. Jae Crowder has been involved in trade talks for ages, and seemed to be on the move. However, Marcus Morris fills a need for the Celtics, and the Celtics must believe in Gordon Hayward’s ability to play the Shooting Guard position. There could always be another move on the horizon, but it is unlikely. The Jazz’ options are falling one after another, and General Manager Dennis Lindsey has his work cut out for him.
The Utah Jazz are probably out of the sign and trade game with Boston at this point. As we pointed out on twitter.
Utah's chances of a sign and trade with Boston are dropping dramatically by the second.
— SLC Dunk (@slcdunk) July 7, 2017
Not sure Boston has much motivation to execute a sign and trade with Utah to give up Jae Crowder unless the Utah Jazz offer something more valuable than $0.5 million in cap space.
More details to follow as they come available.