Trust me, I’ve been all over bringing Christian Wood to Boston. And I’ve also been all over trading up to the Pistons draft spot at #7.
The problem is, Hayward’s option isn’t due until after draft night. That takes away the Celtics’ ability to involve him in trade scenarios unless he knows about it and is on board.
In this scenario, I don’t like the idea of the Celtics trading #14. Wood is leaving Detroit via free agency and is not worth pick 14 from a leverage standpoint.
Also, a sign and trade could hard cap the Celtics, so it’s important the order in which offseason moves are made.
My version of a BOS-DET-IND trade:
SPLIT INTO THREE SEPARATE DEALS:
Trade #1:
To BOS: Turner, Lamb, McDermott (as much as I want TJ Warren, I’m not sure on his value after his play inside the bubble)
To IND: Hayward, & pick #30, plus #47
Trade #2: The Pistons will have cap space.
Myles Turner to DET (absorbed into cap space)
Trade #3:
To BOS: Christian Wood (via sign and trade)
To DET: Carsen Edwards, Semi Ojeleye, future Celtics 1st (protected top 20)
If Kanter doesn’t opt out, he can be thrown into trade #3.
Celtics IN: Wood, Lamb, McDermott
Celtics OUT: Hayward, (maybe Kanter?), Ojeleye, Edwards, picks 30, 47, & a future 1st.
Why for Boston? They get Wood. Sure they’d probably prefer to keep their future 1st, but they’d be getting Wood under contract and would be taking on about $18M in salary with Lamb & McDermott.
Lamb and McDermott can always be traded again. McDermott is an expiring an can be traded to save money if need be. Maybe Boston could pursue a better fit (Aaron Gordon for Lamb/McDermott, etc?)
Why for the Pistons?
Christian Wood can leave for nothing. The Pistons make use of their cap space by absorbing Turner. They also take a flier on Edwards and Ojeleye, while getting a future 1st in return.
Why for IND?
They want Hayward. Clears Turner off the books which will help towards paying Gordon. They also receive picks 30 & 47, while shedding Lambs salary (coming off an injury with 2 years left on his deal), and moving on from McDermott (expiring). Turner plays sometimes like he has two left feet. They’ll miss his shot blocking, but will be better off without him.