Re: Trading Deadline Thread

[Sam]

I believe the Celtics would be foolish to waste the remaining 29 games in terms of team development by creating discontinuity at the position that affects all other positions so greatly.

Since Rondo's return, players like Sully and Olynyk have taken major strides.  I'm not claiming Rondo was responsible, for example, for their rebounding improvements; but I believe the general rhythm and pace of the team that has been created by Rondo have had a hand in rejuvenating both of them.

Sam

[bobheckler]

Per Marc Spears:

Source said Sacramento offered Isaiah Thomas, Ben McLemore and two picks for Rajon Rondo. Rondo wasn’t interested in re-signing with Sacramento.

The Kings are in the market for a veteran backup point guard who pushes the ball, a source said.



bob
MY NOTE:  If Rondo was asked if he was interested in re-signing in Sacto, then this at least happened.  What this also suggests is that the offer by Sacto was good, from Danny's perspective.  Why else ask Rondo?  The last part makes no sense, though.  Rondo as a back up point guard?  No.



.

I think the second sentence was seperate from the Rondo stuff. Since the Kings were offering Thomas ( their Current Starting PG) in the deal.

sorta like:

Since the Rondo deal fell apart, the Kins are now looking for a backup point who can push the ball.

kdp,

That interpretation makes sense to me.


bob


.

[Outside]

Less than 48 hours to go.

[bobheckler]

Sources: Rockets exploring Asik trades again
February 18, 2014 12:41 pm ET
 

Philly is a possibility for Omer Asik (right), who has wanted out since Dwight Howard (left) came. (USATSI)
The Rockets have renewed efforts to trade disgruntled center Omer Asik, with the Philadelphia 76ers emerging once again as a potential landing spot, league sources told CBSSports.com on Tuesday.


http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/24447420/sources-rockets-exploring-asik-trades-again



The two teams engaged in serious discussions on an Asik deal in December, when the Rockets were trying to move the defensive-minded center so they could aggregate any players acquired for use in future deals. With that possibility long gone, Houston GM Daryl Morey has re-opened trade talks, and the Sixers have more payroll flexibility than any team in the league to make a deal work.

The Sixers are $11 million under the salary cap, meaning they can absorb Asik's $8.4 million salary without sending back any players. They also have to add $5.1 million to their payroll to meet the league's salary floor of $52.8 million.

According to executives who've engaged in conversations with Houston about Asik, Morey is still setting the price high for the Turkish 7-footer, who was lured away from the Bulls as a restricted free agent in 2012. The structure of the offer sheet Asik signed, which calls for him to be paid $15 million next season, has been problematic. Though his cap hit would be only $8.4 million in 2014-15, any team acquiring Asik before Thursday's deadline would face an expenditure of $17 million for him to play a little more than 100 games -- a tough sell for any owner under the restrictive CBA.

Due to that expense, teams like the Raptors and Nets have no interest in acquiring Asik, sources say. The Hawks like him, but not at the Rockets' current asking price. The problem in assembling a deal with the Sixers is the same problem the teams experienced in December, only worse because more of Asik's total compensation over the next two years is in the rear-view mirror.

The Rockets want a first-round pick for Asik, sources say. The Sixers have New Orleans' 2014 pick (1-5 protected), but are looking to use their cap space to acquire first-round picks -- not divest them. Philadelphia's floor-spacing Spencer Hawes interests the Rockets, but the Sixers have been asking teams for a first-round pick in return.



bob



.

[112288]

Source: Celtics interested in Utah's Hayward

PHOENIX — The Celtics have expressed some interest in acquiring Utah's Gordon Hayward, a league source tells CSNNE.com.

Hayward, who starred for Celtics head coach Brad Stevens while at Butler, will become a restricted free agent this summer after he and the Jazz could not come to terms on an extension this past fall.

The biggest challenge appears to be finding assets currently on the Celtics' roster that are appealing to the Jazz.

Despite Utah's desperate need for a point guard, there's little interest in Rajon Rondo primarily because they don't anticipate he'll re-sign with the club beyond his current contract which is up in the summer of 2015.

Jeff Green is another option, but the Jazz aren't all that interested in him, either.

It would appear the one thing that might nudge Utah towards giving serious thought to dealing Hayward, would be if the Celtics were willing to part with at least one of their stockpiled first-round picks.

But two league sources, both having had recent conversations with the Celtics, told CSNNE.com on Tuesday that Boston is "very reluctant" to part with any of their first-round picks in facilitating a deal.

In fact, Boston appears focused on adding more picks or assets with any deal they strike between now and the trade deadline.

That would be consistent with their two previous trades this season.

When they traded Courtney Lee to Memphis for Jerryd Bayless, the deal generated a trade exception worth more than $2 million.

And when they were part of a three-team deal that sent Jordan Crawford and MarShon Brooks to Golden State, Boston received Joel Anthony and a future, protected first-round pick from Miami (via Philadelphia).

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[112288]

STAN VAN GUNDY ON M&M: MY GUESS IS RAJON RONDO STAYS IN BOSTON THROUGH TRADE DEADLINE

By WEEI
 
Stan Van Gundy

Speaking with WEEI’s “Mut & Merloni” on Tuesday morning, NBA analyst Stan Van Gundy said that he sees Celtics guard Rajon Rondo staying in Boston after this week’s trade deadline. To listen to the interview, visit the Mut & Merloni audio on demand page.

Van Gundy said that while Rondo is one of the best in the league at his position, he’s not necessarily a good fit with any of the potential trade partners that have been kicked around.

“He’s a hard guy to classify, because he’s very unique,” Van Gundy said of Rondo. “I don’t think he can carry a team without a ton of talent. But on a championship-level team, he’s as good as anyone.”

With that in mind, Van Gundy said that among those teams, Rondo wouldn’t necessarily be a good match.

“I’m not sure any of the contenders are lacking at that spot,” said Van Gundy, who added he would be “shocked” if any team gave Boston two unprotected first-round picks for Rondo.

“Maybe the Pacers would be the best fit,” he said. “But my guess is that he stays in Boston through the trade deadline.”

Van Gundy also said that the two best teams in the Eastern Conference were Miami and Indiana, and added he “can’t imagine what would happen at the trade deadline to change that.”

He also had some nice things to say about Celtics first-year coach Brad Stevens, indicating the addition of Stevens “was a great hire.”

“I think it was a perfect situation for a college guy to go in to, in that he has time,” Van Gundy said of Stevens. “Brad is a very smart, very analytical guy who relates to players very well. I think he’s done a great job late in games this year in terms of situational stuff.

“I think he’s very good, and will continue to get better,” he added.

For the complete interview, check out the Mut & Merloni page.

112288

[Sam]

I'd be fine with seeing the Celtics give Houston two firsts (including one for this season) and either Bass or Green for Asik. It would be great to see this team having operated with a balanced roster for the final one-third of this season. I'd be particularly interested in seeing Sully play against guys more his size and maybe not being so worn down by the end of the season.

Sam

[112288]

THIS IS GETTING TO BECOME A DEATH WATCH....................

WILL HE OR WILL HE NOT SURVIVE!

112288

[112288]

Charlotte Bobcats interested in Evan Turner and Brandon Bass
 
PRO SPORTS DAILY - Posted by George Papas

The Charlotte Bobcats are looking to making it to the playoffs this season. Finally, after years of struggle and after being considered as one of the worst teams of the league, stuck in to the bottom positions of the Eastern Conference, the Cats saw the light, the light of the playoffs. At the moment, Charlotte lies at the eighth spot of the conference with a 23-30 record, but the team needs to make some correcting moves in order to solidify its ticket to the postseason. As recently reported, the Cats are eying Evan Turner and Brandon Bass.

Charlotte will need to find a solid contributor to add up to Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker’s contributions. Of course, the arrival of Big Al has changed the course of the franchise. After all the changes the Bobcats performed during the offseason they seem as powerful as they have ever been in the last years.

As the latest reports state, the Cats are in talks with the Philadelphia 76ers about forward Evan Turner. The 76ers are expected to trade away Turner, as they have already expressed that they don’t include him in their plans for the future. So all what’s left now for them is to find the right deal.

The Bobcats are reportedly offering the expiring contract of Ben Gordon, worth $13.2 million and also a draft pick in exchange for Evan Turner. It’s still unclear if the 76ers will agree on such a deal, since the team is exploring some other offers for Evan Turner and it’s projected to pick the best one. Nonetheless, this trade scenario seems to fit both sides.

Evan Turner would be an excellent fit for the Bobcats. The 6’7” forward would provide an extra scoring option in the perimeter for Charlotte and he would come handy for the playoffs, too. Turner would also be a very nice asset for Charlotte’s future. The 76ers could also re-sign Ben Gordon this summer in a smaller contract, while the draft pick they would acquire could only help them with their rebuilding process. Gordon is not producing in Charlotte like he did a few seasons back, when he was a member of the Chicago Bulls or the Detroit Pistons. So maybe change of sceneries is what he needs to start being the player he was back then.

The Bobcats are also reportedly eyeing Boston Celtics’ forward Brandon Bass. Bass would be yet another scoring option in the team’s frontcourt. He has been playing with consistency in Boston and he could be a very good fit alongside Al Jefferson. The Celtics seem to be open to trades and this deal could become reality sooner than later.

Charlotte would have to give away Cody Zeller, who has a rookie contract. Zeller seems to have potential but he hasn’t managed to be as productive as expected in Charlotte. Alternatively, the Cats could also throw Bismack Biyombo’s $3 million contract on the table. The C’s want to shake things up and go all in for a drastic rebuild.

112288

[dboss]

And the source of this infirmation is?

Dboss

[dboss]

Asik is not worth 2 first rounders and Bass or Green.

I would do Two first rounders and Hump though.

Dboss

[k_j_88]

I would not trade more than 1 player and 1 first rd. for Asik, personally. His body of work is mired by injuries.



KJ

[Sam]

If Asik isn't worth his asking price, offering less value in return isn't going to make him any better. Forget the emphasis on what the Celtics should pay. That's Danny's department. The center position could be a major defensive backbone for the next 10 years. If (compared to other centers who are available and aren't projects or broken down has-beens) Asik isn't the best option who's likely to be available within a reasonable amount of time, don't pay a penny for him. Forget him.

If he is the best option, forget the nickel and diming and let Danny work on the compensation. The object of a trade is not to get a bargain or fleece the opponent. The object of a trade is to give value and get value so both teams can win. Otherwise, step aside and let the rest of the league (often aka the Lakers) step up. Let the Lakers see whether Asik can intimidate in purple and gold while Celtics fans turn green with envy.

Sam

[k_j_88]

If Asik isn't worth his asking price, offering less value in return isn't going to make him any better.  Forget the emphasis on what the Celtics should pay.  That's Danny's department.  The center position could be a major defensive backbone for the next 10 years.  If (compared to other centers who are available and aren't projects or broken down has-beens) Asik isn't the best option who's likely to be available within a reasonable amount of time, don't pay a penny for him.  Forget him.

If he is the best option, forget the nickel and diming and let Danny work on the compensation.  The object of a trade is not to get a bargain or fleece the opponent.  The object of a trade is to give value and get value so both teams can win.  Otherwise, step aside and let the rest of the league (often aka the Lakers) step up.  Let the Lakers see whether Asik can intimidate in purple and gold while Celtics fans turn green with envy.

Sam

It's hard to imagine Asik in the league for 10 more years. He's 27 right now. The only good thing about him not playing a bunch of games (250 thus far for his career) means he has less mileage than a lot of guys in the league. But again, he has also had injury issues. There has only been one year in his entire career where, given the proper minutes, he was an impact player. The main question I have about him is his durability. He can't be an "impact" center if he isn't healthy enough to play in the first place

Making a trade for him is worth it, but it would be bad for it to blow up in Ainge's face.




KJ

[Sam]

KJ,

Okay, maybe Asik would anchor the Celtics' defense for only seven years. Or even five years. Five years may be longer than most players stay with the same team in the NBA anyway. The important thing would be how he performs while with the team; and the fact that he would start performing sooner rather than later excites me.

I don't believe Asik has had injury issues. As in plural. He played every game of his first season. He played every game of his second (strike-shortened) season. He played every game of his third season. In fact, when this season started, he qualified as an iron man by having played in 230 consecutive games.

He has missed 31 games of this season with the only injury I can find attributed to his career, and it doesn't seem that the one injury is chronic in any way. I'm not sure how many of those missed games were DNPs coach's choice. I'm not sure whether they erred on the side of caution in bringing him back because he wasn't going to play much anyway.

Heck, virtually every player has an injury in his career—many of them of far greater consequence than this one seems. Of course, any noteworthy injury should be a warning signal that would cause a club to take careful note before acquiring the player. And, even then, one can't be sure. (Hello, Jeff Green.) But that's the job of Danny and the medical staff.

Yes, it would be bad for any trade to blow up in Ainge's face. And any trade involves some elements of risk. Sometimes players come off career seasons and are never the same again. (Hello, Mark Blount.) Some players have a career record of great stats but suddenly develop attitude problems. (Hello, Sidney Wicks.) But I don't know why Asik would be more of a risk than any other center who might be available and fits the description of an intimidator.

Sam

[kdp59]

hmmm...the Cody Zeller for Bass deal peaked my interest.

but it would seem Zeller and Olynyk have similar games to me.

high post centers for Stevens?

with Sully and ??? at the low post?

just thoughts, is it Thursday yet?

[dboss]

Sam

As much as I would like for the Celtics to ger Asik,, 2 first rounders and a starting player is way too much. There is no way that any team is giving up 2 first rounders for him because he is not that good.

Rumor has it that Philly is relunctant to give up even 1 pick

Dboss

[bobheckler]

Another Rondo rumor quashed.  Sounds like he really wants to be here, huh?


Report: Rajon Rondo Wouldn't Re-Sign With Raptors If Dealt
Feb 18, 2014 9:28 PM EST


The Toronto Raptors are interested in trading for Rajon Rondo ahead of the deadline.

Rondo can become a free agent in 2015.

Rondo is not interested in re-signing with the Raptors as a free agent if he were traded to the team, according to reporting from Chris Broussard.

Via Chris Broussard/ESPN



bob


.

[sinus007]

Hi,
Speaking about RR, I'd like to point to this article.
I don't agree, to a certain degree, with all 4 points, but the thoughts are interesting.

AK

[Sam]

Dboss,

If Asik's "not that good," why would you like the Celtics to get him?  The Celtics desperately need a real intimidator in the middle to balance the roster, get players playing where they should be playing, and expedite the process of developing together.  Why would you want to trade for someone who's "not that good" just to get a bargain?  As I said above, why would paying less magically make him a better player?  Trading is not a matter of hoarding draft picks and looking only for bargains.  They've got draft picks to burn.  Why not use a couple of those picks (plus trading away salary at the time time) to get a true intimidator?  And, if he's not a true intimidator, why want him on the Celtics?

Sam

[bobheckler]

The fear in Cleveland is that Luol Deng, whom they traded with Chicago in the Andrew Bynum deal, will not re-sign with the Cavs they are shopping him hard.

Another screwup by "The Mistake on the Lake".

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/denglu01.html

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/greenje02.html

Statistically, comparable to Jeff Green, AND a lot more expensive ($14.3M vs $8.4M) but an expiring contract.

Would Danny trade Green AND Wallace for Deng's expiring contract?  How about if Cleveland threw in their 2015 first round pick (which they get from Memphis)?  If the rumored JJ Barea/Chase Budinger for Tony Allen/Prince trade goes through, Memphis will NOT have a good 2015. Why would Cleveland do that? Because Green is comparable, player-wise, to what they hoped for with Deng and while Wallace's contract is a "Salbatross", he is a veteran presence and Alonzo Gee isn't cutting it.

Would Memphis really trade Tony?  He's First Team All Defense!

GMs acting very strangely with this new CBA.  Everybody's shedding contracts, everybody wants draft picks.

Too bad for them Danny is already ahead of the power curve and owns them all.  


bob

[kdp59]

The fear in Cleveland is that Luol Deng, whom they traded with Chicago in the Andrew Bynum deal, will not re-sign with the Cavs they are shopping him hard.

Another screwup by "The Mistake on the Lake".

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/denglu01.html

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/greenje02.html

Statistically, comparable to Jeff Green, AND a lot more expensive ($14.3M vs $8.4M) but an expiring contract.

Would Danny trade Green AND Wallace for Deng's expiring contract?  How about if Cleveland threw in their 2015 first round pick (which they get from Memphis)?  If the rumored JJ Barea/Chase Budinger for Tony Allen/Prince trade goes through, Memphis will NOT have a good 2015.  Why would Cleveland do that?  Because Green is comparable, player-wise, to what they hoped for with Deng and while Wallace's contract is a "Salbatross", he is a veteran presence and Alonzo Gee isn't cutting it.

Would Memphis really trade Tony?  He's First Team All Defense!

GMs acting very strangely with this new CBA.  Everybody's shedding contracts, everybody wants draft picks.

Too bad for them Danny is already ahead of the power curve and owns them all.  


bob

I liked Deng for Green and Bogans' expiring deal myself back then. and re-signing Deng long term also.

I was in the minority, but I see Deng as being able to be a more consistant scorer than Green has been. Still a number 2 guy and is 28YO.

we'll see I guess.

[dboss]

Dboss,

If Asik's "not that good," why would you like the Celtics to get him?  The Celtics desperately need a real intimidator in the middle to balance the roster, get players playing where they should be playing, and expedite the process of developing together.  Why would you want to trade for someone who's "not that good" just to get a bargain?  As I said above, why would paying less magically make him a better player?  Trading is not a matter of hoarding draft picks and looking only for bargains.  They've got draft picks to burn.  Why not use a couple of those picks (plus trading away salary at the time time) to get a true intimidator?  And, if he's not a true intimidator, why want him on the Celtics?

Sam

Asik is a good center but he is not worth 2 picks and a starting quality player. If he was an elite center his value would be higher.

Just cause ya got money no need to throw it away.

I would be shocked if any team was willing to part with two picks for Asik....

Dboss

[NYCelt]

Houston reportedly trying to work on Rondo deal.  Here's the link;

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10484540/houston-rockets-eyes-rajon-rondo-boston-celtics

Works out money-wise, makes some sense personnel-wise, meets Danny's requirements...

Bet it doesn't happen.  Reprtedly talks haven't gotten serious and I doubt they will. I think it's just an extension of the hot rumors surrounding Rondo.

I think we're keeping Rondo and expect us to start looking at a way to establish contract talks at season's end.  We aren't going to want him to hit the open market in 2015.

Starting to look like we might keep the roster as is, unless Danny can find a creative way to unload Hump or Wallace's contract.

[kdp59]

Houston reportedly trying to work on Rondo deal.  Here's the link;

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10484540/houston-rockets-eyes-rajon-rondo-boston-celtics

Works out money-wise, makes some sense personnel-wise, meets Danny's requirements...

Bet it doesn't happen.  I think it's just an extension of the hot rumors surrounding Rondo.

I think we're keeping Rondo and expect us to start looking at a way to establish contract talks at season's end.  We aren't going to want him to hit the open market in 2015.

Starting to look like we might keep the roster as is, unless Danny can find a creative way to unload Hump or Wallace's contract.

well that's mighty interesting!

Asik, Parsons, Beverly and a couple late first round picks for Rondo and chance for Houston to get to the finals against Indiana.

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