"Giannis with Khris Middleton wins their first NBA championship like in 50 years for Milwaukee" - NBA analyst believes Boston Celtics would be unwise to break up their core for KD
The Boston Celtics are in a bit of a dilemma. They have a shot at signing Kevin Durant, but it will come at the cost of breaking up their core and parting with Jaylen Brown, a key player.
On ESPN's "Keyshawn, JWill & Max," Jay Williams said that the Boston Celtics should retain their core, which would help them compete for championships in the future. He provided examples of past NBA champions to drive home his point.
"So Giannis with Khris Middleton wins their first NBA championship, like, in 50 years for Milwaukee, right? The road to that incredible place for those two and that team was something special."
"Golden State's core has stayed together. Even without Kevin Durant, finds a way to win a championship. They did it the hard way. They didn't take the easy way out," Williams said.
The Boston Celtics have grown stronger each year. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart have led the Celtics to deep playoff runs on multiple occasions. It looked like their time had come last season when they reached the NBA Finals. However, they lost to the Golden State Warriors, who have kept their core intact since their title run in 2015.
Are the Celtics playing a dangerous game with Jaylen Brown if they don’t land KD?
"I think Jaylen's frustrated. But he's a straight up 'dawg,' & I mean that in the most positive sense. He'll be able to brush off these rumors & play well if they don't get KD." — @Chris_Broussard https://t.co/tMJ5YKOl73
While getting a player like Kevin Durant would strengthen the team, the void left by the departures of Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart would be hard to fill.
As such, Jay Williams feels the Celtics should avoid trading for Durant.
"Everything we've talked about for the past several years with this team that's been to multiple Eastern Conference finals, and just came off a world championship opportunity. They've done it the hard way.
"Now, you're telling me you're going to package up the heart and soul in return for Kevin Durant," Williams said.
@FCHWPO Mood for all the JB / KD trade proposals https://t.co/OgfvF72dOR
The Boston Celtics can succeed without Kevin Durant
The Boston Celtics already have a stacked roster. They added more depth when they brought in Malcolm Brogdon and Danilo Gallinari in free agency.
Whether they succeed in their attempts to sign Kevin Durant remains to be seen. But even if they fail to sign the two-time champion, the Celtics will be a force to be reckoned with in the East.
Having lost in last season's NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics will be hungrier than ever to go all the way next season.