NBA trade grades: Denver trades Bol Bol to Boston in new deal

• Co-author, Pro Basketball Prospectus series
• Formerly a consultant with the Indiana Pacers
• Developed WARP rating and SCHOENE system

What was the motivation for the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs to make the three-team trade reported Tuesday by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski?

The move includes four players, none of whom is a starter and two of whom are currently sidelined by injuries (Denver’s Bol Bol and P.J. Dozier, both headed to the Celtics). Naturally, much of the rationale for this deal is financial. By taking back two players on minimum contracts, Boston moves a step closer to avoiding the luxury tax this season.

From the Nuggets’ perspective, this is a win-now move. Because of Denver’s multiple long-term injuries, using two roster spots on players who are sidelined was untenable. The Nuggets not only get a potential contributor in Bryn Forbes, but they also free up a spot to eventually convert one of their two-way contracts, allowing either Markus Howard or Davon Reed to be eligible for the playoffs.

Let’s break down the implications for all three teams, including what the Spurs get out of adding salary by taking back the highest-paid player in the deal, and hand out grades.

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