Boston Celtics Trade Analysis #16: Robert Parish and Kevin McHale

One deal might mark the beginning of an era not often. However, that does not imply that it has never occurred.

The Boston Celtics traded for Robert Parish in 1980, acquiring him from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Kevin McHale in the draft. As the new “Big Three” for the Boston Celtics, these three immediately established themselves with second-year star Larry Bird. This trio appeared in five NBA Finals and took home three trophies together. Let’s go back in time and examine the transaction that contributed to the establishment of a new Boston dynasty.

#16: Kevin McHale and Robert Parish Full Trade Details Boston Celtics receive: Robert Parish and the 1980 No. 3 pick (later becoming Kevin McHale) Golden State Warriors receive: the 1980 No. 1 pick (later becoming Joe Barry Carroll) and the 1980 No. 13 pick (later becoming Rickey Brown) Why Did This Trade Happen? Celtic head coach Red Auerbach wasn’t sold despite Carroll being regarded as the No. 1 prospect of the 1980 draft: “Publicly, Celtics legend Red Auerbach coveted Carroll, an All-America center at Purdue and the consensus top pick. Privately, he favored University of Minnesota forward Kevin McHale, but didn’t want to use the No. 1 overall pick for him.”

After finishing 61-21 the previous season, the Celtics were already a top NBA team and didn’t require the first selection. It was a wise move to give up one of the most prized basketball assets in exchange for other components to help the club win straight away. Boston’s acquisition of two Hall of Fame big players along the road also helps.

With a 24-58 record at the end of the 1979–80 season, the Warriors were tied for the second-worst record in the league. In 1981, Parish was likewise scheduled to become a restricted free agent, and the Warriors were unable to pay for him. Then Warriors general manager/coach Al Attles clarified: