*This is not a TRADE IT4 NOW!!!!!!! thread*
So as some here have stated, I am a little uncomfortable about basing our future around Isaiah. Now this isn't to say I hate the guy, I don't, I love his spirit for this team. This got me thinking about what his trade value even is at this juncture of his career.
IT is worth so much to the Celtics because he is THE scorer for our team as currently constructed. We don't really have any other consistent scorers. To his credit, Thomas has lived up to that role and has shut down all of the haters.
However, he is also a 27 year old 5'9 pg who even though theoretically should be in his "prime" age wise, this most likely isn't the case. Most shorter guards rely on some combination of quickness, speed and verticality to be able to operate in this league with the big boys. Because of this, they are more susceptible to the breakdown of their game due to their waning athleticism. I believe Isaiah knows this perception,and is already trying to combat it by talking about how he is eating healthier.
So realistically how long does he have left at a high level? 2-3 years before a rapid decline? Does he become a spot up shooter once his athleticism declines to the point where he can't create space? Or does he fill that Jason Kidd role we saw with the knicks (passing and spot up 3s.) Hard to tell.
IT Pros: 1.) stat line of 22.2 pts/ 6.2 apg /3.0 rpg/ 21.54 PER on 42.8/35.9/86.3 shooting splits.
2.) Due to the aforementioned stat line and our success: 1st All Star Team selection
3.) Along with Marcus is the heart, soul and swagger of our team
4.) Is literally this teams offense
5.) On a historically great contract for his production (in contrast to the current exploding cap)
Cons: 1.) Is 27, which for most players isn't bad, but as said above, short players don't play by the same rules.
2.) In 2018 he will become an UFA and he will want close to a max deal (he should want it, he is very, very good.) This combined with point 1 on a 4-5 year deal is not a good idea.
3.) While we are able to hide his defensive deficiencies (and he has improved in this area,) his defense will be even worse as he begins to age.
4.) Age doesn't necessarily mesh with the possible direction of this team. IF Ainge actually builds through the draft, Isaiah will be declining as our "good" players are ascending.
5.) Probably matters more for our teams success than he would on another.
6.) Is literally this teams offense.
So what would teams be willing to give up in order to acquire Isaiah? He is obviously worth more than the 1st rounder we got him for. But what is the value on a 5'9 gunner who most likely only has a few more years of brilliance left?
Let the discussion begin.
Sources:
http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6472/isaiah-thomashttp://www.spotrac.com/nba/boston-celtics/isaiah-thomas/