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The Boston Celtics are close to completing a sign-and-trade that will send free agent big man Kris Humphries to the Washington Wizards, according to Bleacher Report's Jared Zwerling. The deal is reportedly worth three-years, $13 million, with a team option on the third year.
Washington, Boston have completed sign-and-trade for Kris Humphries, source says. Boston gets a trade exception and protected 2nd round pick
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 15, 2014
This contract is a bargain compared to some of the other deals equally productive bigs are receiving this summer. Humphries is coming off a highly productive season, averaging 8.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, though the statistics don't emphasize his hustle and grit, which was put on display every night he played.
Washington will use part of their trade exception to take on Humphries' new contract. Since Boston is only acquiring a protected second round pick in return and they are dropping in total salary, they will also receive a new trade exception of their own, worth approximately $4.3 million.
What is a trade exception?: Essentially, the Celtics will be able to acquire a player or players who make ~ $4.3 million or less without giving anything up, just like they did earlier this summer when they acquired both Tyler Zeller and Marcus Thornton.
Boston will receive another trade exception worth $4.3Mish, since it looks like Washington is just absorbing Humphries with their own TPE.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 15, 2014
It's hard to believe Washington is getting Hump at this cheap price, as he will be a very productive player off of their bench. Even though Boston loses a quality player, the deal is a no-brainer. Their roster is filled with six bigs who have guaranteed contracts, and there is only so much playing time to be distributed; plus, picking up another trade exception will help put them in a position to make a small trade down the line.