Ainge: Would take 'special' player to deal key assets

A. SHERROD BLAKLEY

CSNNE

CLEVELAND—When it comes to the trade deadline, Danny Ainge is open to discuss pretty much any and every kind of deal imaginable.

He’s even willing to contemplate giving up significant assets – the team’s pick from Brooklyn this year that’s likely to be in the top-5 perhaps? – for the right superstar even if that player is in the final year of their deal and isn't a lock to re-sign with Boston in the summer.

Speaking on 98.5 the Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich show, Ainge said that player would have to be “special.”

“It depends on the player and it depends on his age and it depends on the probability of us re-signing him,” Ainge said.

“But most of the time I would say no, I would not give up (significant assets),” said Ainge who added, “If you’re risking very little, it might be worth the risk. But I would never risk a lot for a small chance unless that player’s one of the top four or five players in the game.”

That is why the talks involving Boston and Houston’s Dwight Howard are not expected to go far just as long as the Rockets continue to value Howard where he was four or five years ago when he was arguably the best center in the NBA, instead of his present-day value which is significantly lower.

The only deal that at this point seems a given for the Boston Celtics to make in the near future involves David Lee.

Boston will look to trade him at or prior to the Feb. 18 trade deadline. If they can’t get a deal done by then, a buyout will likely be reached prior to March 1 which is the deadline for playoff eligibility for waived players.

Lee, a two-time all-star, is in the final year of his contract which is worth $15.5 million.

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No question that I fully agree with Ainge's thought of only giving up quality for the "special" player. Exactly what he should say now and later do.

But, he should not hesitate to empty most of the box of draft picks to get that "special" player if such a guy becomes available in the next two weeks.

AGREED.............HE'S NO FOOL!

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I wish I knew who was on Dannys' List of "special players".

LOL

kdp59 wrote:I wish I knew who was on Dannys' List of "special players".

LOL

Spoke with Danny a short time ago. Below is his list of "special"  small forwards that would add some scoring punch to the team.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarankSFs/ranking-top-10-small-forwards-ever

swish

There is no question that we should all expect Ainge to only use our best assets for a "special" player.  We would all head to the nearest high bridge if you were to trade something like the Nets pick for someone like Javale McGee.

I would trade all four of our first round picks in this year's draft for Cousins today (so that he could play against the Kings tomorrow).

Heck, this guy was even 4-4 last night on threes. He may automatically become our best three point shooter

wideclyde wrote:There is no question that we should all expect Ainge to only use our best assets for a "special" player.  We would all head to the nearest high bridge if you were to trade something like the Nets pick for someone like Javale McGee.

I would trade all four of our first round picks in this year's draft for Cousins today (so that he could play against the Kings tomorrow).

Heck, this guy was even 4-4 last night on threes.  He may automatically become our best three point shooter

I'd do it too !!

His best asset to me is he really seems to hate LOSING. and if we keep throwing punches like last evening. Someone, Cousins or someone else might just think they could put us over the top. Bron forcing the Cavs into a move just shows management material he is not. Sort of like Jordan.....who in their right mind but him saw Kuamie Brown as a #1 pick?

Just because you might be the greatest player at the time doesn't mean crap when you put on a suit and sit in a office.

beat

Nice take on some top possible trade targets

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25474767/ten-players-who-could-be-on-the-move-at-the-nba-trade-deadline



The NBA trade deadline is less than two weeks away. It's an exciting time wrapped around the fun of All-Star Weekend. With the Warriors so far ahead of everyone, teams are going to be in pursuit of big upgrades. There are some big names in talks that are being rumored, while the overall structure is in flux. First we'll look at ten players who could be on the move at the NBA trade deadline, and then give you some tips on how to navigate the slippery slopes of the rumor mill.

10 PLAYERS WHO COULD BE ON THE MOVE

In no particular order...


Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers
This entire thing is slightly unbelievable and very complicated. If you told me back in October that Blake Griffin could be moved at the deadline, I would ask you if Steve Ballmer suddenly had all his money stolen like he was in "Now You See Me," in the role Michael Caine plays. Instead, remarkably, despite his being an MVP candidate before his injury, despite his not being available for the next two months with a broken hand suffered when punching a team staffer, and despite his being in his prime, Griffin is reportedly on the block.
That's not just speculation, either. Yahoo Sports and Forbes have both reported that the Clippers have reached out to at least explore the idea. Talks with Denver about a potential swap are just that, talks, that reportedly the Clippers weren't interested in. However, the fact that Griffin is even in rumors is at once stunning and something that should catch your attention.

The Clippers are basically in a rough spot all of a sudden. If this team isn't good enough to make a run this year, their clock may be up and it may be time for them to start reconfiguring their core. However, with Chris Paul being on the back side of his prime, dealing Griffin seems crazy. Griffin has another seven years left in his absolute peak, and dealing him could set the franchise back significantly.

There's been talk that perhaps the Clippers could do it on account of the immaturity shown by Griffin in punching the assistant equipment manager that resulted in his injury. The Clippers came out with a strongly-worded statement after the incident, more so than many expected, and owner Steve Ballmer is clearly not happy. It, again, seems crazy to react to your 26-year-old star accidentally hurting himself punching a staffer while out enjoying their evening by trading him, but if there's a perceived culture problem, that can trump everything.

However, getting return for Griffin is nearly impossible if you want to compete now. If the Clippers fail to get out of the second round or even push the Warriors or Spurs in a meaningful way, sure, you can look to re-evaluate your makeup. But that probably means dealing Chris Paul, or separating Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. It doesn't mean moving the best player you have. The Clippers want to win now, that's great. They also want to win later and keeping Griffin is the best way to do that. Much of this feels like boiling pressure from the injury and the circumstances surrounding it. Expect for there to be more rumors of talks between the Clippers and teams for Griffin -- there's blood in the water now.

But don't expect a deal. But don't be surprised by one. See? Like I said, it's complicated.


Dwight Howard, C, Houston Rockets
The Rockets have come out and tried to kill these rumorsevery time they've popped up, so you're led to think a deal for the big man won't happen. Howard was independently linked to rumors with the Heat(which were quickly rebuffed from both sides) and the Celtics(which were only rebuffed on the Rockets' side). Sometimes with trade rumors, where there's smoke, there's just smoke.
The situation surrounding Howard, though, makes it feel at least a little warm.

Howard has a monster expiring contract and you can bet he'll chase a max contract this summer. Does Houston want to pay a max for a guy who hasn't changed their culture and may not be playable for long stretches against the Warriors' smallball attack? Yet they can't (and won't) let him walk in free agency because he's too valuable of an asset. So if they want to avoid playing Howard $25 million a year and don't want to watch him walk out the door, they have to do something.

The problem is, the same things that could keep Houston from wanting to sign him could keep other teams from approaching the Rockets for a trade. He's lost a lot of step due to back and knee injuries, he's still a goofball. That said, his defense remains terrific but isn't elite anymore, and you can't feed him in the post to consistently score but he also doesn't want to just work in the pick and roll.

Howard's a high-maintenance asset you'd have to give up a lot for. Still, he's a star, and teams will be calling Morey to see if they can put together a deal he can't refuse that they can live with. However, like, with Griffin, a deal is going to be difficult to construct that makes sense for both sides.


Rudy Gay, F, Sacramento Kings
I broke down five potential deals here. The long and short of it: the Kings want to move him but his value is compromised because he's an expensive player that isn't great at the 3 or the 4, doesn't rebound or pass as well as he should, and isn't an efficient shooter. However, he's still an athletic veteran that can make plays and has put up good numbers this year.
An interesting side angle on Gay that needs to be considered is what else you can get from the Kings. Their pick situation is compromised due to previous trades, but Ben McLemore doesn't get as much time as he should and Kosta Koufos doesn't seem as irreplaceable with Willie Cauley-Stein making the kind of progress he already has. If a team can land Gay while also getting a quality player at another position or a young prospect, that could boost a deal past the finish line.


Danilo Gallinari, F, Denver Nuggets
Much of the Nuggets' older core is available in talks, if you are to believe recent reports. Gallinari has been linked to the Celtics for over a year, Kenneth Faried is at least outside the box of "untouchable," Darrell Arthur could help almost any team he would join, Jameer Nelson still has good years in him, and Will Barton is on a sweetheart contract putting up Sixth Man of the Year numbers. You can bet if Wilson Chandler were healthy, he'd be available as well.
Gallinari is the biggest name, though. He's versatile and draws fouls extremely well. He's also a streaky shooter and can get buckets. He's lost a significant step due to the ACL injury two years ago, but is masterful at getting to the line and can both shoot and drive. He signed an extension with the Nuggets this offseason, so he's more firm in his contract status than some other players. Gallinari's also shown visible frustration on-court with the mistakes of his brutally young teammates. He hasn't once ever publicly stated he's unhappy, and is unlikely to do -- he's more of a pro than that. But if you offered him a chance to go help a veteran squad, he's going to take it.

The overall inefficiency (his 41 percent field goal percentage isn't compensated for by his 36 percent shooting from the arc) is a problem. He still deals with knee soreness and he tends to fade into the background after hot starts. But Gallinari is a guy that can help a team win, and there are going to be a lot of teams shopping for that kind of guy. Denver's looking to either get more assets or a star; they're open to a deal.


Al Horford, C, Atlanta Hawks
Horford's less likely to be moved based principally on his value. He's a free agent this summer, and as I mentioned above, those are getting harder and harder to move. He's the Hawks best or second-best player (behind Paul Millsap), is versatile, efficient, a strong defender, a smart passer, and a good teammate. There's no downside here, so Atlanta is likely to try and retain him.
That said, when you consider his recent comments about market size, and that other teams are reportedly "expecting" the Hawks to listen to a deal, he could be on the move.

If he is in anyway available, teams should be jumping over one another to trade for him, like zombies reaching over each other to get to a cast member in "The Walking Dead." He's not only the kind of star skill-wise you want, but he's a player that has the right mindset and attitude to where he's not going to mess with your chemistry. Adding Al Horford doesn't screw up your ego dynamics.

If we're being totally honest, and the Clippers really are at least open to trading Blake Griffin, a deal involving Al Horford makes the most sense for both teams. Even if that means Atlanta would be one step closer ot trading Paul Millsap.


Kevin Love, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers
Things looked much better for Kevin Love at the start of the season. He was getting touches, he was putting up points and things looked good. Then Kyrie Irvingcame back and both the Spurs and Warriors exploited Love's defensive shortcomings to burn the Cavs. Next thing you know, Blatt was fired, Tyronn Lue took over and the Cavs looked awesome with Love, especially vs. the Spurs. Now they lost to the Hornets and it's all confusing again.
It's likely they ride this out. Dealing Love seems crazy. However, if you can't have Love on the floor because of his defense, and you can't play him and Kyrie together effectively (which there's ample evidence of despite the overall offensive efficiency), at some point you have to at least look around. Maybe everything will blow over and Love will look like a great fit again until the All-Star break next weekend. But there's enough evidence to look at Love's role with the Cavs and at least ask if they can do better.

This is definitely one of those "they won't make any calls but if you call they won't throw the phone out of the window into the ocean" situations.


Jeff Teague, PG, Atlanta Hawks
Teague's been in rumors over the past two weeks with word getting out that Atlanta may want to go all in on Dennis Schröder before they have to pay for both of them. Utah makes the most sense, but with the Jazz slowly starting to get their team together, they may not be in the market come the deadline.
Teague's fast, smart, can finish and shoot. He's a gifted passer, a tough defender, and a great competitor. He's not a star, but he's definitely an "You can win the title with him starting at point guard" level guy. And he's only just now really reaching his prime. If Atlanta wants to move him, teams should be calling, even with the glut of good point guards in the league. With the free agency market as thin on point guards as it is, it's important to capitalize on opportunities like Teague if he's available.


Pau Gasol, PF, Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have made a big show of saying they're not going to do any deals, but the Chicago Tribune spoke with multiple executives who were skeptical the Bulls won't look to move Gasol. Gasol is having an All-Star caliber season, is a veteran whose teammates love, and isn't on a big long-term deal. He's affordable, expendable, and still very skilled. Defensively, there are issues but if you're trying to make the playoffs and have assets to burn, Gasol's an excellent fit.

Kevin Martin, SG, Minnesota Timberwolves
They want to deal him, but the market's non-existent or they would have done it already. You can expect a deadline-day dump for second rounders or a low-impact prospect. Minnesota's got no leverage here, but needs to move him for money and minutes reasons.

Markieff Morris, F, Phoenix Suns
I'm skeptical they deal him since they held on to him this long. He's a malcontent that wanted out last summer but the Suns have just decided to weather the storm. He is playing better under Earl Watson, however. That could move the Suns to resolve to keep him, or increase his trade value to at least "decent' so they can close in on a deal. Morris is gifted, but his mental approach is so worrisome, and teams have to be concerned to a huge degree on it.
He's a coin flip at this point, most likely