The Celtics are expected to receive a “highly protected” draft pick as part of the trade that is sending center/forward Noah Vonleh to the Spurs, a league source told Brian Robb of MassLive.
San Antonio is acquiring Vonleh for cash considerations, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. Also, it’s been reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that Boston will receive cash in the deal as well.
While Robb didn’t specify what type of pick the Celtics receive, it would seem that at this level of a trade, the pick would likely be a second-rounder, perhaps one a few years down the road. And as Robb added, a protected one at that.
“The Celtics will also gain some luxury tax savings by removing Vonleh’s cap hit from their roster in the deal, which is why cash was included in the deal,” Robb wrote.
Vonleh, 27, is 6-foot-10 and has appeared in 23 games with the Celtics this season after signing a one-year deal in September. The Spurs will become his ninth team since he entered the NBA in 2014 as the No. 9 overall draft pick by Charlotte.
He spent three of those seasons with the Trail Blazers. He has also spent time with the Knicks, Timberwolves, Bulls, Nuggets and Nets. Vonleh carries career averages of 9.4 points and 4.9 rebounds.
His contract with Boston was set to become guaranteed this weekend — meaning he very well could be waived by the Spurs.
Per Charania, San Antonio is waiving center Gorgui Dieng to clear a roster spot for the Vonleh trade.
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