The Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder have pulled off a stunning trade just minutes before the NBA Trade Deadline. The Celtics have agreed to send center Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson to the Thunder for a package involving forward Jeff Green and center Nenad Krstic, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski and NBA writer Sam Amick. Both Green and Perkins are impending free agents. Green is a restricted free agent, while Perkins is unrestricted.
Celtics Trade Kendrick Perkins, Nate Robinson To Thunder For Jeff Green, Nenad Kristic, According To Report
The move gives the Thunder legitimate size as they push the Western Conference’s elite. Perkins has recovered from a devastating knee injury suffered in the NBA Finals, and is an elite defensive center. The Celtics had not been able to agree on a long-term contract extension with him, so they decided to move him instead.
The Celtics, meanwhile, acquire a wing player that they have been coveting for a while, plus a Perkins replacement in Krstic. Green will help provide depth behind Paul Pierce and Ray Allen and provide another forward that can play in small lineups.
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