Free Agency 2017

by **dboss** Tue Jun 27, 2017 10:03 am

Board members, July 1st is approaching fast so it is time to begin our prognostications.

I usually head to Boston for the 4th but this year I will not be going until the middle of August. Last year I was in Boston during the Horford signing and the Durant pursuit. If he had signed with us we could have beaten the Cavs and gave Golden State a run for their money. It was unfortunate that Durant came down with a serious case of stockholm syndrome.

It is another year now. The draft is over and we have already witnessed several trades as teams have begun to build for next season. There seems to be a theme to this madness. Teams are abandoning their profile in favor of the Golden State template. Lucky for us, Danny Ainge and coach Stevens are ahead of the curve and began a process to redefine how the Celtics were going to play 4 years earlier.

There is a ton of misinformation relative to the Celtics' pursuit of certain players. 1,000 imaginary trades have been made many while completely ignoring team needs and CAP realities. Several Celtics players will have their CAP holds lifted to free up money to sign a free agent or two.

The answers to our questions will soon be forthcoming.

Hayward will either stay in Utah and cash in on a very timely payday or take short money to sign somewhere else.

Griffin and Chris Paul will either rejoin the band or send the Clippers into a rebuilding mode.

Will Paul George climb aboard the Lebron James bandwagon and agree to extend his stay in Cleveland or will he play the part of Richard Boone in Have Gun Will Travel opting to play out the last year of his contract. Who in their right mind would give up anything of consequence to Indiana for a one year lease?

Will the Hawks retain Paul Milsap or has the rebuild begun in earnest? For a team that won 60 games a few years ago they have fallen hard and fast.

How will the Eastern Conference represent themselves with Chicago, Indiana and Atlanta all heading South.

Will Carmelo agree to a trade? If so who is the stupid team that is willing to pick up his $40+ million dollar contract. Maybe Dolan will fork over buyout money and Melo will head out west or to Ohio.

dboss

by **fierce** Tue Jun 27, 2017 10:44 am

As long as the Celts sign a big name FA next week, it doesn't matter who it is.

Why?

Celts will no longer be able to sign a big name FA next summer because they have to re-sign Thomas to a big contract.

Having Blake Griffin or Gordon Hayward is better than not having signed anyone this summer.

by **RosalieTCeltics** Tue Jun 27, 2017 10:58 am

New rumor has John Wall talking constantly to George to see if he can get him to come to Washington. Better hope George pulls a Durant and goes out to LA, because if the Wizards get him, we are no longer second best in the league (first this year) Wizards will become a phenominal team with Paul George on their roster.

I cannot wait for 12:01 on the 1st!

by **red16russ11** Tue Jun 27, 2017 11:24 am

I still would give up a lot to get George....with an extension. Without, as was mentioned previously, don't waste a lot of assets. Everything I'm hearing, though, says IND will not trade him outright to LAL.

I agree most of the FA's will stay where they are for money purposes. CP3, Blake and Hayward will probably all stay. Millsap, I have no idea, but I would guess he stays as well.

I believe Danny is targeting bigger fish. With the new CBA at 99 mill, the DPE will become an issue, IMO. Most teams, like NOP, may not be able to pay an Anthony Davis 40 mill per year. Wouldn't it be in their best interest to trade them before having to pay them 40% of the cap? I predict this will be the trend. Teams will trade these guys to another team to avoid paying the "super max" contracts that could cripple your team for years. I think Danny is going after Anthony Davis!

by **RosalieTCeltics** Tue Jun 27, 2017 11:39 am

yes, but how many years do we have to wait for Anthony Davis??? I would give my eye teeth for that kid, but I just do not see it happening Why would you give him up and keep Cousens???? That experiment is doomed. So,why not try to dump Cousens first.
Anthony Davis is quality, no doubt about it. I just don't know if we will ever really get a shot at him. Love the idea though!!!!

by **dboss** Tue Jun 27, 2017 12:21 pm

fierce wrote:As long as the Celts sign a big name FA next week, it doesn't matter who it is.

Why?

Celts will no longer be able to sign a big name FA next summer because they have to re-sign Thomas to a big contract.

Having Blake Griffin or Gordon Hayward is better than not having signed anyone this summer.

Fierce

Not exactly true. Let's say we sign Chris Paul? It most certainly matters who we sign. Danny could still hold on to cap space for next. He does not have to spend his cap space this year.

dboss

by **dboss** Tue Jun 27, 2017 12:25 pm

RosalieTCeltics wrote:New rumor has John Wall talking constantly to George to see if he can get him to come to Washington. Better hope George pulls a Durant and goes out to LA, because if the Wizards get him, we are no longer second best in the league (first this year) Wizards will become a phenominal team with Paul George on their roster.

I cannot wait for 12:01 on the 1st!

Now that is a scary thought. They would have to part with Porter. That would be close to a superteam if they got Paul.

dboss

by **dboss** Tue Jun 27, 2017 12:36 pm

red16russ11 wrote:I still would give up a lot to get George....with an extension. Without, as was mentioned previously, don't waste a lot of assets. Everything I'm hearing, though, says IND will not trade him outright to LAL.

I agree most of the FA's will stay where they are for money purposes. CP3, Blake and Hayward will probably all stay. Millsap, I have no idea, but I would guess he stays as well.

I believe Danny is targeting bigger fish. With the new CBA at 99 mill, the DPE will become an issue, IMO. Most teams, like NOP, may not be able to pay an Anthony Davis 40 mill per year. Wouldn't it be in their best interest to trade them before having to pay them 40% of the cap? I predict this will be the trend. Teams will trade these guys to another team to avoid paying the "super max" contracts that could cripple your team for years. I think Danny is going after Anthony Davis!

I have to agree with Rosalie. There is no logical reason NOP would move Davis and then turn around and pay Cousins a mint. Davis is signed for 3 more years with a player option for year 4. Cousins will be a free agent after this year. Last year they did not play well together because both of them like to play in the post. If this year repeats itself look for NOP to trade Cousins before the deadline. And then I will have another opportunity to be sickened by those Celtics fans that think he would be a good fit with us.

dboss

by **red16russ11** Tue Jun 27, 2017 12:45 pm

dboss wrote:
red16russ11 wrote:I still would give up a lot to get George....with an extension. Without, as was mentioned previously, don't waste a lot of assets. Everything I'm hearing, though, says IND will not trade him outright to LAL.

I agree most of the FA's will stay where they are for money purposes. CP3, Blake and Hayward will probably all stay. Millsap, I have no idea, but I would guess he stays as well.

I believe Danny is targeting bigger fish. With the new CBA at 99 mill, the DPE will become an issue, IMO. Most teams, like NOP, may not be able to pay an Anthony Davis 40 mill per year. Wouldn't it be in their best interest to trade them before having to pay them 40% of the cap? I predict this will be the trend. Teams will trade these guys to another team to avoid paying the "super max" contracts that could cripple your team for years. I think Danny is going after Anthony Davis!

I have to agree with Rosalie. There is no logical reason NOP would move Davis and then turn around and pay Cousins a mint. Davis is signed for 3 more years with a player option for year 4. Cousins will be a free agent after this year. Last year they did not play well together because both of them like to play in the post. If this year repeats itself look for NOP to trade Cousins before the deadline. And then I will have another opportunity to be sickened by those Celtics fans that think he would be a good fit with us.

dboss

I thought Davis had an ETO.....my bad

by **dboss** Tue Jun 27, 2017 3:36 pm

I have to admit that I am on pins and needles.

Both Griffin or Hayward would have to take less dough to sign with Boston. Both are with solid franchises. If CP3 resigns early I think Griffin will stay but if he leaves Griffin will be gone too. Griffin may actually enjoy playing in the free flowing Steven's offense.

It would be a big surprise if any deals are made before the 4th.

dboss

by **RosalieTCeltics** Tue Jun 27, 2017 3:57 pm

Local sports shows quoted Adrian Wojonowski as saying that the plan for the Celtics is still in place: Sign Hayward, and go after George. Usually he is pretty accurate. Time will tell

Now wouldn't that be a fine off season??? I will not let myself get too excited until July 1 is here

by **bobheckler** Tue Jun 27, 2017 4:01 pm

RosalieTCeltics wrote:Local sports shows quoted Adrian Wojonowski as saying that the plan for the Celtics is still in place: Sign Hayward, and go after George. Usually he is pretty accurate. Time will tell

Now wouldn't that be a fine off season??? I will not let myself get too excited until July 1 is here

Rosalie,

I'm a little too old to be doing hand springs, but I'd give'em a try if Danny pulls this off!

And July 1st is Saturday. One more reason to look forward to this weekend... bounce

bob

.

by **dboss** Tue Jun 27, 2017 4:22 pm

Looking ahead we could have 3 max contract players in the mix and would still need to resign IT and or trade AB and Smart. What about KO? Do they let him walk?

If the Celtics add 2 SF what happens with Brown and Tatum? (assuming Crowder gets traded to Indy?

Will Boston be able to compete for a title this year with

Horford
Paul
Hayward
AB (or Brown)
IT

Rozier
Smart
Zizic
Yabu
Tatum
Mickey
Jackson
Semi
Unnamed BU Center
Nadir

by **RosalieTCeltics** Tue Jun 27, 2017 4:50 pm

Bob if you do the hand springs, I will do the cartwheels! After they peel us up off the floor we can continue our celebration.

Not that I am putting too much pressure on Danny!!! I can remember my reluctance with the KG trade years ago and my son lecturing me on how I would fall in love with the way he played and forget about Big Al before the season ever started. Sure enough, he was right! So.............?????

by **wideclyde** Tue Jun 27, 2017 7:16 pm

I am not sure why signing Hayward and trading for George is a good idea since both guys play the same position. Also, if this is the plan where does that leave Brown and Tatum? And,maybe even Crowder if he is not traded to Indianapolis?

Talk about too many guys for one (and a half?) positions.

by **fierce** Tue Jun 27, 2017 8:10 pm

dboss wrote:
fierce wrote:As long as the Celts sign a big name FA next week, it doesn't matter who it is.

Why?

Celts will no longer be able to sign a big name FA next summer because they have to re-sign Thomas to a big contract.

Having Blake Griffin or Gordon Hayward is better than not having signed anyone this summer.

Fierce

Not exactly true. Let's say we sign Chris Paul? It most certainly matters who we sign. Danny could still hold on to cap space for next. He does not have to spend his cap space this year.

dboss

Cap space goes away next season because a big portion of it will be used to sign Thomas.

The other players who will have to be re-signed next summer are Bradley and Smart.

If the Celts sign a max FA, like Hayward, this summer, Celts can go over the cap next summer to re-sign their own players.

Only way the Celts will still have cap space next summer is if the Celts renounced the rights to Thomas, Bradley, and Smart.
That way their cap holds goes away and the Celts will have cap space for a max FA.
But doing that also means other teams can offer Thomas, Bradley, and Smart the max because they've become unrestricted FAs.

The time to spend on a max FA is now.
There will be no next year.

by **fierce** Tue Jun 27, 2017 8:11 pm

wideclyde wrote:I am not sure why signing Hayward and trading for George is a good idea since both guys play the same position. Also, if this is the plan where does that leave Brown and Tatum? And,maybe even Crowder if he is not traded to Indianapolis?

Talk about too many guys for one (and a half?) positions.

It has been confirmed Crowder is part of the deal to get Paul George.

Jaylen can play some SG and Tatum can play some PF.

by **fierce** Tue Jun 27, 2017 8:17 pm

If Celts get both Hayward and George, that means Bradley is also gone.

Hayward will be starting at SG.

Celts can have a starting lineup of IT, Brown, Hayward, George, and Horford.

Tatum and Smart off the bench.

Position-less basketball.

by **RosalieTCeltics** Tue Jun 27, 2017 8:21 pm

Bradley, Smart, Crowder, LA pick, Memphis pick.

I am surprised Smart is included. And they probably have to renounce Kelly

by **fierce** Tue Jun 27, 2017 8:28 pm

RosalieTCeltics wrote:Bradley, Smart, Crowder, LA pick, Memphis pick.

I am surprised Smart is included. And they probably have to renounce Kelly

I don't think Smart is included in the deal.

Here:

Adam Kaufman ✔ @AdamMKaufman I'm told #Celtics offer to IND for George is LAL/SAC pick from PHI, '19 MEM OR LAC pick, Crowder, $$ filler (Zeller pop name, Bradley poss). 3:07 AM - 28 Jun 2017

Read more at: http://nesn.com/2017/06/nba-rumors-heres-the-celtics-offer-to-pacers-for-paul-george-trade/

by **RosalieTCeltics** Tue Jun 27, 2017 8:33 pm

This is what I got from idiot Felger on Comcast, he said he was reading the deal from "sources" close to Wojo. I thought it was strange that both Bradley and Smart would be included. However, if Bird is in anyway involved in these negotiations, I could see him wanting Smart. You just can't teach what he does on the defensive end.

by **fierce** Tue Jun 27, 2017 8:46 pm

RosalieTCeltics wrote:This is what I got from idiot Felger on Comcast, he said he was reading the deal from "sources" close to Wojo. I thought it was strange that both Bradley and Smart would be included. However, if Bird is in anyway involved in these negotiations, I could see him wanting Smart. You just can't teach what he does on the defensive end.

I don't think Bird is involved anymore.

Kevin Pritchard is the new president of basketball ops for the Pacers.

by **dboss** Tue Jun 27, 2017 8:52 pm

fierce wrote:If Celts get both Hayward and George, that means Bradley is also gone.

Hayward will be starting at SG.

Celts can have a starting lineup of IT, Brown, Hayward, George, and Horford.

Tatum and Smart off the bench.

Position-less basketball.

Not really. What position is IT playing? What about Horford? Positions do not go away simply becsuse a SF plays SG or PF.

by **fierce** Tue Jun 27, 2017 8:56 pm

dboss wrote:
fierce wrote:If Celts get both Hayward and George, that means Bradley is also gone.

Hayward will be starting at SG.

Celts can have a starting lineup of IT, Brown, Hayward, George, and Horford.

Tatum and Smart off the bench.

Position-less basketball.

Not really. What position is IT playing? What about Horford? Positions do not go away simply becsuse a SF plays SG or PF.

Horford is really not a Center.

IT's really not a PG.

When Smart's in the game, IT plays off the ball, like a SG, and Smart's the one bringing the ball up the court.

I think Brad Stevens will make it work.
From Day 1 I was a believer in Brad Stevens.
He's a genius.

by **dboss** Wed Jun 28, 2017 3:53 pm

What do you mean really not a PG. IT is a PG.

I think the concept of positionless basketball is more related to the roles that are played by each player. In my opinion positionless basketball seemly means that you can run the same play for multiple players. On defense is really does not work the same way. Your PG cannot play defense on a pf or center for example.

I agree that AH is not center but he plays center and PF on this team. He would prefer to play power forward and until Boston gets quality size next to him there will a deficiency with our front line.

dboss.

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