Boston, Golden State and Miami agree to 4-player trade

c/o ESPN

A 4-player, three team trade was approved on Wednesday involving the defending champions Miami Heat, along with the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics. This was first confirmed by Y!'s Woj.

The Warriors, in their search for an upgrade on their backcourt depth, acquired Jordan Crawford and MarShon Brooks from the Celtics. With the recent acquisition of Jerryd Bayless and the impending return of Rondo, who happened to be sent down to Maine for a couple of hours to get some practice work before being recalled, Crawford became a tradeable asset. Brooks is a throw-in to make salaries work and would complement the team's backcourt depth.

In exchange, the Warriors sent Toney Douglas to the Miami Heat. With Mario Chalmers suffering from an Achilles strain, the defending champions would like have some additional cover if in any case Chalmers, or Dwyane Wade, were to miss games. Although they have LeBron James as a more than capable ball-handler, as well as Wade, the only other point guard on the roster is Norris Cole.

The Heat then sent Joel Anthony, their 2016 second round pick, and a conditional first round pick from the 76ers that Miami acquired when they traded Arnett Moultrie, to the Celtics. Boston also received cash from the deal. Anthony gives them size, championship experience, and a trade chip that they can use in swinging a deal later on. The picks also serve as a possible trade asset. The cash is in play just to make the trade work, cap wise.

Jordan averaged 13.7 points, a career-high 5.7 assists (which led the Celtics) and 3.1 rebounds in 39 games. He started 35 times and was named as the Eastern Conference Player of the Week last month.

MarShon averaged 3.1 points and 1.9 rebounds this season, playing a total of 73 minutes in ten games in Boston. His production has dwindled since his rookie year, when he was named 2nd Team All-Rookie.

A free agent signing this past offseason, Toney averaged 3.7 points and a rebound in 24 games for the Warriors.

Joel was a part of the Miami title runs the past couple of seasons, albeit in a limited capacity. He has appeared in just 12 games for the Heat this season, and has recorded a total of six points, seven rebounds and four blocks in 37 minutes of action.