Trade Review: Thunder Send Mike Muscala to Boston

After spending more than three years in the Modern Frontier, OKC sent its lone veteran big man to the Celtics at the trade deadline.

On Feb. 9, Oklahoma City announced it was trading 10-year veteran Mike Muscala to the Boston Celtics in return for two second round picks and Justin Jackson. Jackson was waived by OKC the following day.

Thunder make the Mike Muscala trade official: pic.twitter.com/gi3OydDbkf

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 10, 2023

At the time of the trade, the Thunder were 26-28, looking for a spark to help push the team into the postseason. After trading Muscala, Oklahoma City went 14-14 in its final 28 regular season contests to secure a spot in the Play-In Tournament.

While OKC didn't get any production from its return for Muscala, this trade did help clear the way for the Thunder to bring in Dario Šarić around the same time. Šarić took over the team's veteran big man role, averaging 7.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 13,7 minutes per game while shooting 51.5% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc. 

In comparison, Muscala averaged 6.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in over 14 minutes per game for Oklahoma City, shooting 43.8% from the field and 39.4% from 3-point range. After being traded to Boston, the Bucknell product put up similar numbers, scoring 5.9 points and grabbing 3.4 rebounds per game while shooting 47.2% from the floor and 38.5% from downtown. 

The Celtics were 39-16 when they brought in Muscala, closing the year with an 18-9 record following their acquisition of the Minnesota native. Muscala made 20 appearances for Boston in the regular season, but has not seen much time on the court during the Celtics' postseason run. 

In three games this postseason, Muscala has racked up just over 10 total minutes on the court, scoring three points, grabbing one rebound and dishing out one assist. 

While the 6-foot-10 stretch big man was a serviceable player for the Thunder, his departure did not greatly impact the team's success, as Šarić was able to step in and play a similar role. Additionally, the Croatian center is over two years younger than Muscala, making him a better fit with the Thunder's timeline. 

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