I think Beal is the missing piece to give the Celts a legit true chance to raise a banner.
This could be the path to make it happen
1st trade
To Nuggets: Smart, Theis
To Celtics: Harris, 2 future 1sts
2nd trade - main pieces
To Bulls: Walker
To Celtics: Beal
To Wizards: Otto Porter Jr., Harris, 2 Bulls 1sts, 2 Nuggets 1st, (if it takes another Celtics 1st or bunch of 2nds, thats fine)
Celtics lineup post trade
TT
Tatum
Brown
Langford
Beal
Timelord
Semi/Grant
Green/Nesmith
Teague
Pritchard
Celts do give up experience and depth in Smart, Walker and Theis. But is there anybody here that wouldn't trade these players plus a bunch of 1sts for Beal??
Ultimately this trade ideas gets to the final destination
Celts have enough sandpaper/versatility on D to makeup the loss of Smart.
Walker may never be the same player again. But seems/sounds like per rumors prior to the season, that Bulls would take that risk while getting something back for an expiring Porter Jr contract.
Chances that this trade could happen? 50/50. Because 1st Beal would need to become available. 2nd Ainge would need to build up the guts to trade Walker. 3rd emotional strength to part ways with Smart. 4th possibly having to compete with a team like OKC who can easily throw 4 or 5 1sts for Beal.
If the avenue/everything above is lined up to obtain Beal, yes or no to this trade idea? Are the Celtics legit contenders to get past the Heat and dethrone Lakers for the title?