Boston Exchanged Hernangómez for Two Injured Players
The Celtics acquired Bol Bol and P.J. Dozier from Denver in January 2022, sending Juancho Hernangómez and cash to San Antonio. Boston was operating under financial and roster constraints as the trade deadline approached. Bol had foot surgery planned, and Dozier was recovering from an ACL injury, so neither acquisition should be portrayed as an instant frontcourt or wing upgrade. The transaction created roster flexibility while allowing Boston to assess the value of two player contracts before further deadline decisions.
Denver Added Shooting Through Bryn Forbes
The Nuggets received Bryn Forbes from San Antonio, a rotation guard with an established reputation as a three-point shooter. Forbes had hit more than forty percent of his attempts from beyond the arc during portions of his NBA career and could support Denver's offense without monopolizing possessions. The club surrendered Bol, Dozier and a protected second-round selection along with cash considerations. Its aim was a more immediate bench shooting option, while Boston accepted injured players and the Spurs received a flexible package.
San Antonio Obtained Hernangómez, Cash and a Future Pick
The Spurs received Hernangómez and cash from Boston, as well as a protected 2028 second-round pick and additional cash from Denver. San Antonio's official transaction announcement independently identifies both cash directions, which makes them more than an inferred balancing entry. Hernangómez had played limited games for Boston that season but offered some rebounding and forward depth. The second-round right could eventually acquire a prospect or be traded again, though it wasn't a player San Antonio could use during the 2022 playoff chase.
The Three Equal Grades Represent Different Objectives
The inherited B grades for Boston, Denver and San Antonio reflect different practical returns. Boston gained roster-management options through Bol and Dozier, Denver acquired Forbes's actual shooting profile, and San Antonio collected a veteran forward, cash and future rights. Both injured incoming Celtics players were later included in a separate trade with Orlando, so crediting their subsequent Magic playing time to Boston would distort this move's direct result. The equal grades are more defensible with the complete three-team ledger than with the original missing Denver return.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Boston earns B for obtaining Bol Bol and P.J. Dozier as roster assets despite their injuries. Denver receives B for Bryn Forbes's bench shooting, and San Antonio earns B for Juancho Hernangómez, a protected 2028 second-round right and cash from two teams. The official league and Spurs records confirm the full three-party return, not an empty Nuggets package.