Realistic Best Case Scenarios For The Boston Celtics Offseason

I think you morphed concepts, struggling between likely and best case scenarios. 

Re: Blake – your trade suggestion is not crazy in terms of raw value.  However, based on team composition, I can’t see the Clips ever pulling that trigger. Thus, it is extremely unlikely and outside your "realistic" parameter. 

Frankly, if you’re going to go best case, just roll with KD, who is just as likely, though very unlikely in terms of odds, as Blake. 

Barnes could happen, but Jae has been pretty awesome for them (on one of the best salaries in the nba). Giving Barnes the max has its own potential chemistry problems given the bargain pieces currently on the team. Even though I like Barnes and even though I expect him to get a max offer, I don’t think I’d shell out that much for him.

Boston is clearly on the upswing with a solid supporting cast and an elite coach. I would recommend swinging for KD and/or trading the #3 (but only for a star). Otherwise, hold tight and hope the #3 pick becomes a star.

I think you morphed concepts, struggling between likely and best case scenarios. 

Re: Blake – your trade suggestion is not crazy in terms of raw value.  However, based on team composition, I can’t see the Clips ever pulling that trigger. Thus, it is extremely unlikely and outside your "realistic" parameter. 

Frankly, if you’re going to go best case, just roll with KD, who is just as likely, though very unlikely in terms of odds, as Blake. 

Barnes could happen, but Jae has been pretty awesome for them (on one of the best salaries in the nba). Giving Barnes the max has its own potential chemistry problems given the bargain pieces currently on the team. Even though I like Barnes and even though I expect him to get a max offer, I don’t think I’d shell out that much for him.

Boston is clearly on the upswing with a solid supporting cast and an elite coach. I would recommend swinging for KD and/or trading the #3 (but only for a star). Otherwise, hold tight and hope the #3 pick becomes a star.

 things around 7 find a way to Truly Compete for Rings………… The Crazy thing is that the Two teams in the Finals were Both Horrible just 4 years ago……….

Golden State in 2012 won 23 games & finished their 4th straight Train Wreck Season…….. & Cleveland in the 4 seasons between 2011 & 2014 won 19 games, 21 games, 24 games & 33 games………..

If I told people in the Summer of 2012 that the 21 Win Cavs & the 23 Win Warriors in the Summer of 2016 would be meeting in the NBA Finals for the 2nd Straight Season I would have been Committed to a Mental Assylum………….

The Nets picks have been a Huge boon for the Celtics but they have Really shot themselves in the Foot b/c even a #3 pick doesn;t seem good enough….. They are Stuck in that No Super Star Morass of 1st round or even 2nd round Playoff team but nothing more…..

 I would actually rather have Minnesota or even Phila’s core………

 things around 7 find a way to Truly Compete for Rings………… The Crazy thing is that the Two teams in the Finals were Both Horrible just 4 years ago……….

Golden State in 2012 won 23 games & finished their 4th straight Train Wreck Season…….. & Cleveland in the 4 seasons between 2011 & 2014 won 19 games, 21 games, 24 games & 33 games………..

If I told people in the Summer of 2012 that the 21 Win Cavs & the 23 Win Warriors in the Summer of 2016 would be meeting in the NBA Finals for the 2nd Straight Season I would have been Committed to a Mental Assylum………….

The Nets picks have been a Huge boon for the Celtics but they have Really shot themselves in the Foot b/c even a #3 pick doesn;t seem good enough….. They are Stuck in that No Super Star Morass of 1st round or even 2nd round Playoff team but nothing more…..

 I would actually rather have Minnesota or even Phila’s core………

Wow. That’s a lot of turnover. I don’t think Ainge can keep Stevens happy with another massive roster turnover season. I also think they like players that you treat like garbage. 

My best case scenario for my Celtics is to draft Bender and trade multiple picks (including a 2017 or 2018 Brooklyn pick) and Bradley for Butler. 

Then we sign a big man who can rebound and defend the rim. I’m probably by myself on this, but I want them to offer a 4 year max to Dwight Howard. 

Thomas-Butler-Crowder-Olynyk-Howard with Bender-Smart-Rozier-Johnson and some other scrubs would be a great defensive team and an improved offensive team. 

Wow. That’s a lot of turnover. I don’t think Ainge can keep Stevens happy with another massive roster turnover season. I also think they like players that you treat like garbage. 

My best case scenario for my Celtics is to draft Bender and trade multiple picks (including a 2017 or 2018 Brooklyn pick) and Bradley for Butler. 

Then we sign a big man who can rebound and defend the rim. I’m probably by myself on this, but I want them to offer a 4 year max to Dwight Howard. 

Thomas-Butler-Crowder-Olynyk-Howard with Bender-Smart-Rozier-Johnson and some other scrubs would be a great defensive team and an improved offensive team. 

 I’m also not convinced Barnes would even start over Crowder. 

 I’m also not convinced Barnes would even start over Crowder. 

 The last thing we need here in Boston is Dwight Howard…..need his skills but not him

 The last thing we need here in Boston is Dwight Howard…..need his skills but not him

 If there is confirmatiin KD is going to leave, Boston should make an offer for sign & trade. Im sure OKC would rather get something back and the Celtics have better pieces available than other suitors. Even if you had to throw in Brooklyn picks to get it done, you are getting an undisputed top 5 player. If this happened, id imagine OKC would like to have the most NBA ready assets to try get back to the WCF, so id offer something like – 

Hunter

Johnson

#3

Nets 2017 pick

If the alternative is KD walking, I have no doubt OKC says yes. Boston would be mad to say no. 

OKC: Westbrook – Hield (#3) – Roberson – Ibaka – Adams

Payne – Waiters -Hunter- Johnson – Kanter

and still have Nets 2017 pick

Celtics: Thomas – Bradley – Crowder – Durant- Olynyk 

Rozier – Smart – Turner – Jerebko – Sullinger

Neither team says no. Its all on KD. 

 If there is confirmatiin KD is going to leave, Boston should make an offer for sign & trade. Im sure OKC would rather get something back and the Celtics have better pieces available than other suitors. Even if you had to throw in Brooklyn picks to get it done, you are getting an undisputed top 5 player. If this happened, id imagine OKC would like to have the most NBA ready assets to try get back to the WCF, so id offer something like – 

Hunter

Johnson

#3

Nets 2017 pick

If the alternative is KD walking, I have no doubt OKC says yes. Boston would be mad to say no. 

OKC: Westbrook – Hield (#3) – Roberson – Ibaka – Adams

Payne – Waiters -Hunter- Johnson – Kanter

and still have Nets 2017 pick

Celtics: Thomas – Bradley – Crowder – Durant- Olynyk 

Rozier – Smart – Turner – Jerebko – Sullinger

Neither team says no. Its all on KD. 

I don’t think a star is available right now. So I would play it smart until one does come available. With the Cap rise I think teams will give next year one more shot to see where Butler and Cousins stand. Potentially at the trade deadline or next summer maybe.

I would actually prefer to keep all the Nets picks anyway. I love watching players grow. 2017 draft could be a jackpot to get a top pick into a playoff team. Patience is key. Do not trade that 2017 Nets pick

Not to high on the options for us at 3 this year. Try to trade Rozier and 3rd pick, or any combo of 16 pick or RJ Hunter for Okafor. 

If no trade Draft Bender, I like his length foot work and ability to knock down threes. Play him off the bench 15 20 mins. People say he can’t contibute right away he can contibute off the bench. Good enough for next year.

Try to package picks and a player to move up and consolidate some assets. 

Sign Sully to like 5 mil a year. for 2 years. Or let leave. Bring back Amir and Jerebko. 

Sign Horford to 4 years 18 mil. per. 

IT, Bradley, Crowder, Jerebko, Horford

Rozier, Smart, RJ, Micky, Amir, Bender, K/O(Injured to start Season)

No championship but players gain more experience and improve to potentially be included in a future trade. Long road to compete with Cleve and GSW.

I don’t think a star is available right now. So I would play it smart until one does come available. With the Cap rise I think teams will give next year one more shot to see where Butler and Cousins stand. Potentially at the trade deadline or next summer maybe.

I would actually prefer to keep all the Nets picks anyway. I love watching players grow. 2017 draft could be a jackpot to get a top pick into a playoff team. Patience is key. Do not trade that 2017 Nets pick

Not to high on the options for us at 3 this year. Try to trade Rozier and 3rd pick, or any combo of 16 pick or RJ Hunter for Okafor. 

If no trade Draft Bender, I like his length foot work and ability to knock down threes. Play him off the bench 15 20 mins. People say he can’t contibute right away he can contibute off the bench. Good enough for next year.

Try to package picks and a player to move up and consolidate some assets. 

Sign Sully to like 5 mil a year. for 2 years. Or let leave. Bring back Amir and Jerebko. 

Sign Horford to 4 years 18 mil. per. 

IT, Bradley, Crowder, Jerebko, Horford

Rozier, Smart, RJ, Micky, Amir, Bender, K/O(Injured to start Season)

No championship but players gain more experience and improve to potentially be included in a future trade. Long road to compete with Cleve and GSW.

 If KD did move on then would Westbrook be in play I wonder?

The Thunder would be loathe to lose both but if KD walks then getting high picks for Russell Westbrook may be better than losing him for nothing.

Lakers would no doubt look to be in the bidding and also wherever KD goes then Westbrook might just follow.

Boston have loads of assets, it all depends how Ainge wants to play them.

 If KD did move on then would Westbrook be in play I wonder?

The Thunder would be loathe to lose both but if KD walks then getting high picks for Russell Westbrook may be better than losing him for nothing.

Lakers would no doubt look to be in the bidding and also wherever KD goes then Westbrook might just follow.

Boston have loads of assets, it all depends how Ainge wants to play them.

If the celts can a meeting with Durant, that’s great, if not, life moves on.

2015-16 Roster Moves:

Resign Johnson for trade purposes: Amir Johnson is relatively easy to be moved so no issue with keeping him.

Let Jerekbo Walk: I like Jerekbo but I don’t think he’s a rotation player long term and I don’t think he’s a trade asset either.

Let Turner Walk: Evan played great this year but Celts fans have watched Stevens turn Jordan Crawford into the NBA player of the week. Stevens is excellent at allowing the ball handler to attack the basket which really helped Evan play a point forward role on this year’s team. At some point though, Marcus Smart needs to be given a full year running the offense when IT is off the floor and the Celtics need to see what they have in their high volume roster.

Let Sully Walk: Don’t give Sully a qualifying offer. Sullinger has talent but he’s not getting better. He’s the same player he was his rookie season. Dude is a professional athlete and criminally out of shape. 

Let David Lee Walk: self-explanitory 

Draft assuming no trades:

#3 Take Bender: Ainge hates drafting foreign players but I think Bender might end up being the best player in this draft especially if he gets drafted by the C’s. Bender is tall, can run the floor, and shoot the basketball. I think he can ultimately be a respectable shot blocker. While some may say he’s too similar to Olynk, Bender is actually much bigger at standing reach of 9’3 and 7’2 wingspan compared to Kelly’s standing reach of 9’0" and wingspan of 6’10". I roll the dice on bender though I fear Danny will not

I don’t really have much opinion about the rest of the celtics picks other than I hope they draft more foreigners to stash players overseas. I would roll the dice on Brice Johnson, Thon Maker, Denzel Valentine, or Dyonta Davis

Free Agent Targets:

Al Horford: Offer < 80mil for 4 years. Rich for Al Horford at age 30 but the Celts probably need to overpay for him if they want a chance. 

Joakim Noah: Offer < 30mil for 2 years with team option for 2nd. Noah has too much milage on him to take a serious investment on him but on a prove it type season might be a reasonable gamble

Kent Bazemore: 30 mil for 3 years. Excellent defensive player who hits occasional 3’s. Really impressed with his development and very bullish on him going forward. I think he would fit in really with the Celtics roster.

Mirza Teletovic: 27 mil for 3 years. Good shooter who has some rebounding abillity when given the chance

Miles Plumlee: Offer < 18 mil for 3 years. Over pay to have a replacement level NBA center for emergency purposes. 

If the celts can a meeting with Durant, that’s great, if not, life moves on.

2015-16 Roster Moves:

Resign Johnson for trade purposes: Amir Johnson is relatively easy to be moved so no issue with keeping him.

Let Jerekbo Walk: I like Jerekbo but I don’t think he’s a rotation player long term and I don’t think he’s a trade asset either.

Let Turner Walk: Evan played great this year but Celts fans have watched Stevens turn Jordan Crawford into the NBA player of the week. Stevens is excellent at allowing the ball handler to attack the basket which really helped Evan play a point forward role on this year’s team. At some point though, Marcus Smart needs to be given a full year running the offense when IT is off the floor and the Celtics need to see what they have in their high volume roster.

Let Sully Walk: Don’t give Sully a qualifying offer. Sullinger has talent but he’s not getting better. He’s the same player he was his rookie season. Dude is a professional athlete and criminally out of shape. 

Let David Lee Walk: self-explanitory 

Draft assuming no trades:

#3 Take Bender: Ainge hates drafting foreign players but I think Bender might end up being the best player in this draft especially if he gets drafted by the C’s. Bender is tall, can run the floor, and shoot the basketball. I think he can ultimately be a respectable shot blocker. While some may say he’s too similar to Olynk, Bender is actually much bigger at standing reach of 9’3 and 7’2 wingspan compared to Kelly’s standing reach of 9’0" and wingspan of 6’10". I roll the dice on bender though I fear Danny will not

I don’t really have much opinion about the rest of the celtics picks other than I hope they draft more foreigners to stash players overseas. I would roll the dice on Brice Johnson, Thon Maker, Denzel Valentine, or Dyonta Davis

Free Agent Targets:

Al Horford: Offer < 80mil for 4 years. Rich for Al Horford at age 30 but the Celts probably need to overpay for him if they want a chance. 

Joakim Noah: Offer < 30mil for 2 years with team option for 2nd. Noah has too much milage on him to take a serious investment on him but on a prove it type season might be a reasonable gamble

Kent Bazemore: 30 mil for 3 years. Excellent defensive player who hits occasional 3’s. Really impressed with his development and very bullish on him going forward. I think he would fit in really with the Celtics roster.

Mirza Teletovic: 27 mil for 3 years. Good shooter who has some rebounding abillity when given the chance

Miles Plumlee: Offer < 18 mil for 3 years. Over pay to have a replacement level NBA center for emergency purposes.