The Boston Celtics are not done making moves, and a recent trade proposal could alleviate concerns about replacing Jaylen Brown's defensive impact. The Celtics would receive Cason Wallace via a trade exception, while the Bucks would get Luguentz Dort and a 2030 second-round pick, and the Thunder would receive Sam Hauser. Wallace, a 22-year-old restricted free agent, has yet to sign a contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder and could be looking elsewhere for a big payday. The Celtics could be the team to make it happen, especially with their $27.7M Traded Player Exception (TPE) and three tradeable first-round picks.
What happened?
The Celtics trade proposal would pair Cason Wallace with Derrick White in a defensive-minded backcourt that could be lethal in the NBA. Wallace has turned into a reliable long-range shooter, making 2.0 threes per game at an incredible clip of 48.4% during the Thunder's playoff run. He shot 35.1% in the regular season, but his marked improvement in the playoffs spoke volumes about his growth as a premier 3-and-D perimeter player.
Why it matters for Boston Celtics
A starting unit of White, Wallace, Paul George, Jayson Tatum, and Mitchell Robinson would allow the Celtics to remain a top-5 defense in the league. The Celtics are hard-capped at the first apron, but they can only use up to $8M of their $27.7M TPE, making a player like Cason Wallace a feasible target. The Celtics could be the team to make it happen, especially with their $27.7M Traded Player Exception (TPE) and three tradeable first-round picks.
What comes next?
The Thunder would receive Sam Hauser in the trade, and the Bucks would gain a veteran locker-room presence to help the growth of their young players. The Bucks have little to lose by absorbing Luguentz Dort's expiring $17.7M salary, and they could use their $25.4M TPE to land the Canadian All-Defensive stalwart. The Thunder, on the other hand, would be nearly $6M below the second apron line if they can move Lu Dort's $17.7M expiring salary.
The Boston Celtics have been struggling in recent form, losing their last 5 games (LLLLL, most recent first). Last result: Boston Celtics 100-109 Philadelphia 76ers (2026-05-02). The Celtics need to strengthen their defense and complete their roster overhaul, and the trade for Cason Wallace could be the answer. With Wallace and White in the backcourt, the Celtics could be a top-5 defense in the league, and they would be well-positioned to make a deep playoff run.
