I think the Celtics need to go for broke if the opportunity is there for Paul George. He is one of the top 5-10 natural scorers in the league who can create his own shot, but also shoot from the outside. This is not a trainable type of player.
In a separate deal, we should also go for a rebounding/defender....specifically Nerlens Noel.
For Paul George:
Boston Trades: Jae Crowder, Jonas Jerbeko, Jordan Mickey, James Young (salary filler), BKN 2018 1st, LAC 2019 1st, MEM 2019 1st
For Nerlens Noel:
Boston Trades: Terry Rozier, Gerald Green (salary filler), 2018 Boston 1st, and any 2nd rounders they want if they are going to be stubborn
The George trade could be adjusted....for instance, sending them 2017 BKN swap pick instead of the 2018 pick, but then taking back the MEM 2019 (which could end up being the best overall one out of them all, who knows).
Crowder, IMO, is only worth what he is because of his current contract. Trading him at more or less a peak value, saves us having to negotiate with him, and we can focus $$$ on re-singing IT/Smart, saving enough to re-up George down the road.
I think the Noel trade for Philly is only a matter of time. They have burned his true value but simply leaving him on the bench, and they will want to get a player they can use in their rotation/starting lineup. Rozier likely becomes their starting PG very quickly. I don't see what more they think they can get, unless there is a better PG in the league at a cheaper price somewhere else...
New Celtics Depth Chart
IT/Smart/Jackson
Bradley/Smart
George/Brown
Horford/Amir/KO
Noel/Horford/KO/Amir
Talk about roster consolidation. Our current starting lineups weaknesses also are instantly addressed with significant upgrades. IT likely becomes even more deadly with a floor-spacing wing like George, who commands respect on the outside. George can also take over a game/quarter whenever we need. Noel steps in as the athletic defender/rebounder we are lacking. Notice on the depth chart, yes, I have Noel as the starting "Center".....depending on the matchup, he and Horford are kind of interchangeable. When we have a more big bodied "true" Center, obviously Horford has more of the bulk to defend that. But Noel can guard most Centers in the league, but in this specific lineup, he is on the block making defensive plays, and crashing boards.
We consolidate everything in to one of the most potent 10-man rotations in the league. Obviously some veteran and D-league signings would have to be made.....pretty sure we can't call up Yabusele this season, right? So filling out the bench with true end of the bench guys, would need to be done.