Boston Reconfigured a Veteran Center Contract
The Celtics sent Tristan Thompson to Sacramento in August 2021 through a three-team arrangement also involving Atlanta. In return Boston received defensive-minded guard Kris Dunn, young big Bruno Fernando and a 2023 second-round selection originally coming through Portland. The deal gave the organization a mix of immediate depth and future rights instead of one like-for-like starting center. Thompson had brought playoff experience to Boston but no longer fit every part of its developing roster strategy.
Atlanta Received Delon Wright, Not an Empty Return
The Hawks acquired point guard Delon Wright from Sacramento as part of the same agreement. Wright had proved useful as a secondary ball handler, defender and spot-up shooter, making him a plausible backup behind Trae Young. The official Hawks announcement explicitly confirms the incoming guard, correcting a missing Atlanta-side leg in the original Celtics-only ledger. His previous experience with other teams established the skill set Atlanta was buying; his later career elsewhere cannot simply be assigned to the Hawks.
Sacramento Chose Thompson's Veteran Frontcourt Experience
The Kings obtained Thompson, a proven rebounder and screen setter with extensive Cleveland playoff experience. The frontcourt addition gave Sacramento another experienced option as its guard rotation changed following the draft. He was not expected to replace the long-term upside of a lottery prospect, but his presence could help younger teammates manage difficult interior matchups. Sacramento sent Wright away in the process. Boston's incoming 2023 second was later associated with No. 35 Julian Phillips, but subsequent draft-rights movement needs separate tracing.
A Small Celtics Edge Reflects Varied Returns
The inherited Celtics B+ recognizes Dunn, Fernando and the future second-round right as a broad package. Atlanta's B rewards Wright's credible guard skills, while Sacramento earns C+ for acquiring Thompson. Those grades don't imply Dunn immediately became Boston's lead scorer or that Atlanta participated without a return. Each club acquired a different kind of asset, and the original verdict gives Boston only a narrow advantage because no single incoming player transformed a franchise.
Final Verdict
Slight Celtics Edge. Boston receives B+ for Kris Dunn, Bruno Fernando and a 2023 second-round right. Atlanta earns B for Delon Wright, a real backup playmaker acquired from Sacramento. The Kings receive C+ for Tristan Thompson's veteran frontcourt experience. The Celtics' package offers several options, but Atlanta's confirmed incoming guard prevents the transaction from being described as a Boston-Sacramento deal with an empty third party.