Draft Related Trades and Rumors

We only have our #45 pick as of right now but that could change with a phone call by Brad.  Furthermore, moves by other teams create changes in their rosters and affect who they might take in the draft even if there are no picks included in those trades (i.e. if a team trades for a point guard then it's less likely they'll draft for that position.  That makes a point guard available in the draft that would otherwise have gone to that team.  A team who would have drafted a different player, say a wing, but now can take that point guard might do it.  This ripples through the draft as players are not taken in the order one would have thought and desired players fall into various teams' laps, which the chance of them trading some of their existing roster).  

A bit of housekeeping:  Draft Day is this coming Thursday, only 5 days away.  Summer League begins in 15 days on August 8th.  The next few weeks should be somewhat busy as we are in the final week before the draft, and then there will be post-draft day trades and the final assembling of summer league rosters, and then the actual Summer League games.  It won't be until mid-August before we get into our usual 6 week dog days of summer before players start showing up in Boston to start working out informally (barring Brad pulling a few triggers).


Here's a rumor, just to get things started.  I whole-heartedly approve of this deal.  Not because I expect our improved draft position will land us a good player so much as it will unload a piece of dead wood, give us a little more space under the cap and gives us a slightly better trade asset.  I don't know why it has to be cash instead of one of our small TPEs, but either way I'm good.


https://celticswire.usatoday.com/lists/nba-boston-celtics-vrens-til-the-ends/?taid=60fa9342afcfee0001434395&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitter


Details of the trade

The Oklahoma City Thunder trade pick No. 36 to the Boston Celtics for guard Carsen Edwards, pick No. 45 and $1.8M in cash considerations.

The deal effectively sees the Celtics trade up in the second round in exchange for a young player not seeing much floor time in Boston with their second-rounder plus cash.


Bob
MY NOTE:  Here are the players various mock drafts have projected at #35.  These picks are projected to go to OKC at 35, of course.  I don't know if they are projecting these picks based upon "best player available" or for what they think OKC needs.  

nbadraft.net - Sharife Cooper, Auburn.  6'1", 180# PG.  Freshman.  The Celtics have worked him out.
mynbadraft.com - Charles Bassey, Western Kentucky State.  6'11", 230# C.  Junior.
tankathon.com - Rokas Jokubaitis, Zalgiris.  6'4", 194# PG.  Almost 21 years old, 3 year Euro pro.



.

Bob,

You asked:

I don't know why it has to be cash instead of one of our small TPEs

TPEs cannot be combined with anything in a simultaneous trade.

Things that can be combined are contracts, draft picks and cash.

Lastly,

TPEs cannot be combined with anything in a simultaneous trade.

Fun TPE facts:

Many of the TPEs we have are small and provide no avenue for adding a player (mostly because they are less than Minimum Player Salary Exception, AKA: Vet Minimum Exception). That can be said for many of the other team's TPEs as well. These TPEs will expire unused. It happens all the time.

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/report-rockets-pacers-discuss-trade-154523230.html



Report: Rockets, Pacers discuss trade involving Eric Gordon, draft picks


Ben DuBose
Sun, July 25, 2021, 8:45 AM


In confirmation of recent reporting, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report wrote Sunday that the Rockets and Pacers discussed a trade involving veteran guard Eric Gordon and the No. 23 pick in the first round going to Indiana in exchange for the No. 13 pick, which would go to Houston.

The current status of those talks is not yet clear, with the 2021 NBA draft now only a few days away on Thursday, July 29. The Pacers recently hired longtime coaching veteran Rick Carlisle to their vacancy at head coach, which could increase the sense of urgency for Indiana to acquire a player such as Gordon who is ready to immediately contribute.

The original report from the Indianapolis Star included this, in reference to ongoing talks between the Rockets and Pacers:

If the player at No. 13 isn’t deemed immediately playable for the Pacers, it will make more sense to deal him for one who can contribute.

The Pacers have talked with the Houston Rockets, a league source told IndyStar, about flipping their pick and getting such a player. They’re not looking for a one-and-done expiring contract. They want a player under contract for at least two years.

In total, Gordon is owed ~$38 million over the next two seasons.


Caitlin Cooper
@C2_Cooper

“And the Rockets have discussed a deal that would send Eric Gordon, plus Houston’s No. 23 pick, to Indiana for the Pacers’ 13th selection.
There’s an expectation that Indiana is once again gauging the trade market for Myles Turner.”
Quote Tweet
Jake Fischer
@JakeLFischer
More trade chatter at @BR_NBA: On Ben Simmons, the Warriors’ efforts with Nos. 7 and 14, Utah and the Jazz wings, plus a developing deal between New Orleans and Memphis https://bleacherreport.com/articles/29463

That first story did not mention Gordon by name, but many quickly assumed that the Indiana native was a logical fit, and that now appears to be the case. Houston’s only other players with contracts of at least two more seasons are DJ Augustin, who likely isn’t valuable enough for Indiana to move the No. 13 overall pick; John Wall, whose massive deal is likely too large to trade; and members of Houston’s “young core” like Christian Wood, Jae’Sean Tate, Kevin Porter Jr., and KJ Martin.

To this point, general manager Rafael Stone has not shown a willingness to trade any of those players. As a result, Gordon’s mid-tier contract at $18.2 million for next season looks to be the most realistic fit. The Pacers would have to send out close to that amount in salary for a trade to work, but including veteran guard Jeremy Lamb — who is on an expiring $10.5-million deal in 2021-22 — would get them in the ballpark.

Now 32 years old, Gordon averaged 17.8 points and 2.6 assists in 29.2 minutes per game with the Rockets last season, including a career-high clip of 57.3% from inside the 3-point arc. At his age, he’s unlikely to be a long-term fit with Houston’s rebuilding plan, which is why he could make more sense for a regular playoff contender like the Pacers.


Bob


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https://www.yahoo.com/sports/report-pelicans-grizzlies-traction-trade-162446439.html



Report: Pelicans, Grizzlies have ‘traction’ on trade involving Eric Bledsoe, draft picks


Jacob Rude
Sun, July 25, 2021, 9:24 AM


With the NBA draft closing in, the Pelicans’ bid to offload Eric Bledsoe appears to be gaining steam. Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported on Sunday that New Orleans and Memphis have gained traction on a deal that would send Bledsoe and the No. 10 pick to the Grizzlies for the No. 17 pick.

“Sources said the Pelicans have generated traction with the Grizzlies in a framework that would swap that 10th selection for the 17th pick while also sending Eric Bledsoe back to Memphis.”

This report comes a day after ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, on his latest podcast, indicated that the No. 10 pick was up for grabs as the Pelicans strive to move Bledsoe in a trade this offseason as well as potentially Steven Adams.

“I think both those picks are very much in play. New Orleans, they’re going to try to get, certainly, Bledsoe’s contract off and we’ll see what they do with Steven Adams. They traded for him, they signed him to an extension. We’ll see how he fits in here as they put their team together next year. But no one is just taking that Bledsoe deal off your hands so part of a deal…you’re attaching the 10th pick.”

After a disappointing season in New Orleans, Bledsoe serieems most likely to be dealt. Freeing up the $18.1 million due to Bledsoe next season could help the team put together an offer for Kyle Lowry, who they value greatly, according to a report from The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor in the last week.

If the Pelicans are also desperate to shed Adams’ deal, netting the No. 17 pick back in a deal for Bledsoe could also serve as a sweetener in an Adams trade. Unlike Bledsoe, Adams has positive trade value. While his season wasn’t as disappointing as Bledsoe’s, Adam’s fit with the Pelicans long-term next to Zion Williamson appears less than ideal.

Theoretically, trading away Bledsoe and/or Adams would open up money to re-sign Lonzo Ball this offseason, but the Pelicans seem content to allow the restricted free agent to walk if an offer sheet is too high.


Bob


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https://www.yahoo.com/sports/why-knicks-pay-attention-pelicans-170835223.html



Why Knicks should pay attention to Pelicans' interest in Myles Turner, Kyle Lowry



Scott Thompson
Sun, July 25, 2021, 10:08 AM



The New Orleans Pelicans are looking to make moves this offseason, and Indians Pacers C Myles Turner and Toronto Raptors PG Kyle Lowry are two players of interest, sources tell SNY's Ian Begley.

First, the Pels and Pacers have "touched base" on a potential deal for Turner, the shot-blocking wizard for Indiana. As Begley said, those talks reaching an advanced stage is unknown, but Turner is receiving looks from many angles -- not just New Orleans.

The Golden State Warriors was a team mentioned by The Ringer as well.

As for Lowry, he has been a name on New Orleans' radar, per Begley. The Pelicans are looking for ways to shed some salary to pursue a veteran, and if they do so, the All-Star is a target. But once again, many are looking at the free agent point guard.

Why does this matter to Knicks fans? Well, both of these players have had interest in New York, too.

This year's NBA trade deadline saw rumors of the Knicks' reported interest in Turner, especially with Mitchell Robinson's status for the postseason questionable at best. However, Begley did say the Knicks weren't looking for a big name at the March 25 deadline, and that eventually came to fruition.

Still, the Knicks have the same questions down low this offseason. Nerlens Noel's contract is up, though there is a good chance New York signs him to a new deal. Then, there's what to do with Robinson, who has shown flashes of a solid NBA center, but injuries aren't helping his cause. He's got a club option that becomes fully guaranteed on Aug. 1, and he's set to be a free agent after this upcoming season.

Speaking of improvements on the Knicks' roster, the pursuit of a point guard that can score is a priority this offseason and Lowry is an obvious target on the market. Leon Rose & Co. have the cap space to reach a deal with a big name like him, or even Damian Lillard if a trade is available via Portland.

Lowry could be a great fit for the Knicks, and Begley pointed out recently two important factors that could determine whether or not he lands in Madison Square Garden. There's also Chris Paul to consider in free agency, too, and let's not forget about the 2022 guards -- Bradley Beal and Zach LaVine -- who are likely to be available.

So, while the Knicks do have assets in their corner -- draft picks, ample cap space, and a clear winning mentality from last season -- there will be competition out there from teams wishing to turn things around for their own franchise as well.

New Orleans is certainly on that list.


Bob


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https://www.yahoo.com/sports/lakers-trade-reports-offered-kuzma-191432233.html


Lakers trade reports: Offered Kuzma, Caldwell-Pope to ‘everyone.’ Could Hield trade happen?


Kurt Helin
Sun, July 25, 2021, 12:14 PM


At a time when smokescreens cloud the air around the NBA Draft and free agency, sources around the league have consistently told NBC Sports one thing: The Lakers have been maybe the most active, aggressive team looking for trades.

What they want is a ball-handling point guard to take some weight off of LeBron James — the role Rajon Rondo played so well in the bubble, the role they hoped Dennis Schroder would have played last year. To get that player, the Lakers are offering to trade Kyle Kuzma and/or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope — and they have offered them to “everyone,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said on The Woj & Lowe draft and free agency show on ESPN.

NBA Retweet
@RTNBA
Lakers have offered some type of combination of Kuzma and KCP to almost every team that Woj has talked to.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1419361971422564358


There is limited interest in Kuzma around the league — at least for what the Lakers want in return — but some teams are continuing the conversation. One trade that has gained a little traction would bring sharpshooter Buddy Hield to the Lakers, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The Lakers and Sacramento Kings have discussed a deal centered on guard Buddy Hield, sources tell The Athletic. Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma would be involved in a potential package, per sources. The Lakers have received interest from several teams regarding Kuzma, sources said.

Hield averaged 16.6 points a game and would be the best 3-point shooter on the Lakers (39.1% last season, better than 40% for his career). While he can put the ball on the floor and run some pick-and-roll, he’s not the kind of shot creator the Lakers are looking for. Hield has three fully guaranteed years remaining on his contract for a total of $61.6 million.

The Lakers are not the only team looking for veteran help and finding little available. Los Angeles doesn’t have the cap space to sign Kyle Lowry, Spencer Dinwiddie, or other shot creators as free agents — L.A. likely only will have the taxpayer mid-level exception of $5.9 million — meaning it would have to be a sign-and-trade, possibly involving Schroder going out. However, a sign-and-trade to bring in a free agent hard caps the Lakers and would make rounding out the roster with championship-level players very challenging.

The Lakers and GM Rob Pelinka are being aggressive, but there are no easy answers out there.


Bob
MY NOTE:  LeBron is under contract for 2 more years:  $41M this year and $41.4M next year.  He is 36 years old now (will be 37 on December 30th, so early in the season) and will be 38 years old soon after his final contract year begins.  He seems immortal, but the window closes for everybody eventually.  Pelinka knows he needs to make hay while the sun is still shining and that means doing what it takes to bolster LeBron and Davis' efforts now.  They're shopping Kuzma and KCP and would probably like to trade PITA Schroder too. Those are 3 key players.  Schroder was 3rd on the Lakers in minutes/game played last year (32.1).  Kuzma was 4th at 28.7 and KCP was 5th at 28.4.  When you look at last year's Lakers from a Total Minutes Played perspective it's even worse.  Then Schroder (1956), Kuzma (1954 )and KCP (1902) are first, second and third because the injuries to LeBron and Davis made them play more. Think about that.  They're 33% of the TOTAL 17,455 minutes played by ALL Laker players last year, and they're being shopped.


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https://www.yahoo.com/sports/rumor-kings-no-9-pelicans-113051892.html



Rumor: Kings at No. 9, Pelicans at No. 10 most likely lottery picks traded


Kurt Helin
Mon, July 26, 2021, 4:30 AM



One thing everyone around the NBA expects: A lot of trades around the NBA Draft (and this offseason).

However, despite the rumors, don’t bet on early lottery picks being traded. The Lakers are shopping theirs at No. 7 looking for veteran help, but that deal hasn’t been available (a lot of teams are looking for veteran help and the market is dry).

The Kings at No. 9 and the Pelicans at No. 10 are both looking for trades for veteran help as well, but they appear closer to a deal, reports Jake Fischer at Bleacher Report.

The Kings at No. 9, and Pelicans, holding No. 10, have been active in trade conversations, sources said. Both teams seek to add veterans to bolster their respective playoff pushes. Both the Hornets and Pacers, the two Eastern Conference play-in teams who did not advance, would seemingly have interest in moving their picks at Nos. 11 and 13, respectively.

One potential deal is the Grizzlies moving up from No. 17 to 10, and taking on Eric Bledsoe from New Orleans as part of the deal, reports friend of the site Keith Smith.

Keith Smith
@KeithSmithNBA
Something swirling around the draft rumor mill is Eric Bledsoe and #10 from New Orleans to Memphis for #17. The idea is that the Pelicans clear Bledsoe, while moving back slightly. Grizzlies use some cap space (likely after declining Justise Winslow's TO) to move up.
11:43 AM · Jul 25, 2021


While the focus is on the potential blockbusters — everyone is waiting to see if Bradley Beal or Damian Lillard demand a trade, neither has to this point — there are going to be a lot of smaller trades. Some of them will come on draft night. A lot of teams believe they are on the cusp of contending and are looking for veteran help and smaller moves, not just blockbusters. There will be a lot of those, and some veterans are going to get good paydays this year.


Bob


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So the Grizzlies-Pelicans swap happened. A little puzzled as to why the Grizz did this. Do they like a player at #10 so much? Bledsoe is pretty much a dead weight right now. Adams is not better than Valanciunas either.

https://kingsherald.com/articles/nba-trade-rumors-sacramento-kings-marvin-bagley-harrison-barnes-buddy-hield-nba-draft/



Report: Lots of interest in Harrison Barnes, Marvin Bagley likely on the move


We got a fresh batch of murmurs as we kick of draft week.


By Greg Wissinger | 113 Comments | July 26, 2021


Feb 28, 2021; Sacramento, California, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) spins away from Sacramento Kings forward Marvin Bagley (35) in the third quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports



Zach Lowe and Adrian Wojnarowksi conducted their annual predraft show on ESPN over the weekend, discussing all manner of draft and trades rumors. With the draft on Thursday, the rumor mill is heating up quickly. Lowe and Woj spent a few minutes discussing the Sacramento Kings:

(Video is cued to the start of their Kings discussion)




Woj says that it seems likely Marvin Bagley will be moved, specifically saying "I think there's probably a new home for him on the horizon", and later adding "I think there's interest in him".

Woj also noted that there is a lot of interest around Harrison Barnes, but added that he would be surprised if Barnes left. Woj felt it more likely that Buddy Hield or Bagley would be moved before Barnes.

As for the Kings draft pick, Woj reiterated what we've been hearing for a while now, that the pick is available in trade talks. For teams wanting to move up in the draft, Woj said "the entry points are 9 and 10".

There's obviously a lot of uncertain, but we know for sure that the Kings are looking to be very active. It could be a very interesting week.


Bob


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https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ben-simmons-has-reportedly-ghosted-the-sixers-news.136366.html



Ben Simmons Has Reportedly Ghosted The Sixers



By Alexander Cole
July 26, 2021 11:02


The trade rumors surrounding Simmons are beginning to ramp up.
Ben Simmons has been slandered quite a bit over the past few months and it is all thanks to his performances in the playoffs. While Joel Embiid was carrying the Philadelphia 76ers on his back, Simmons could be found putting up anemic numbers that had fans wondering where the superstar player went wrong. With a lack of confidence and shooting ability plaguing his career, there are those who believe Simmons needs some new scenery if he wants to go back to his old ways.

While the Sixers originally said they wanted to ride things out with Simmons, it appears as though various teams are trying to make a play for the star player. The Sixers have been entertaining numerous offers and now, it seems like a trade could be imminent, especially with this latest development.


Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images


According to Jake Fischer from Bleacher Report, Simmons has pretty well ghosted the team and won't return the Sixers' phone calls. At this point, the Sixers don't know what to do, and a trade could be the only option available.

Per Fischer:

"I’m not gonna write this in the story, but I’ll tell this to you guys and you guys can do what you want with it. They haven’t been able to really even get in touch with Ben since the season ended. Like, there was an intent to have a workout plan or whatever — like in any offseason…It just doesn’t sound like there’s ever been movement to come together on the same page to do that, and it hasn’t really worked this summer either."


This is bad news for the Sixers, although if they really want to get rid of Simmons, then it could be a blessing in disguise. As of today, teams such as the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, and Toronto Raptors are all showing interest in the star.


Bob


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