Celtics Off-Season News

[Celtics2021]

Isiah Thomas hasn’t spoken to Jaylen Brown since the Celtics were eliminated from the playoffs. But the Piston legend, a mentor to Brown from their ties to Cal, has prepared the advice he will give when next they chat. “Take the money,” Thomas told Heavy Sports through a laugh. Brown still has a year left on his Boston contract, but because of his second team All-NBA selection, he is eligible to sign a supermax extension of five years and some $290 million this summer. “Take the money,” Thomas repeated.  – via Steve Bulpett @ Heavy.com

Later that evening when we spoke, Isiah said, “When I got to know Jaylen Brown and how he played, I said to him — and this is before the draft process started — I said to him, ‘You’re a Celtic.’ He fits the Celtic culture that I played against, that I competed against. That I know.” According to Thomas, Brown still very much fits with Boston and the Celtics “intellectually and spiritually.” “Yeah, he’s been great there,” Thomas told Heavy. “He’s had a great career there, and he’s become one of the best players in the league. They’ve done well, and he’s done well there. It’s been a win-win, I think, for him and for the Celtics.”-via Steve Bulpett @Heavy.com

and the part privately that we dont hear is take the money and demand a trade down the road. Money first, forced trade second no doubt. Not my favorite of advisors for JB for sure

I'm not actually sure that would be Thomas' advice, but in any case it's still better for the Celtics if Brown signs the extension and then forces a trade next summer rather than leaving as a free agent next summer.

[Roy H.]

Isiah Thomas hasn’t spoken to Jaylen Brown since the Celtics were eliminated from the playoffs. But the Piston legend, a mentor to Brown from their ties to Cal, has prepared the advice he will give when next they chat. “Take the money,” Thomas told Heavy Sports through a laugh. Brown still has a year left on his Boston contract, but because of his second team All-NBA selection, he is eligible to sign a supermax extension of five years and some $290 million this summer. “Take the money,” Thomas repeated.  – via Steve Bulpett @ Heavy.com

Later that evening when we spoke, Isiah said, “When I got to know Jaylen Brown and how he played, I said to him — and this is before the draft process started — I said to him, ‘You’re a Celtic.’ He fits the Celtic culture that I played against, that I competed against. That I know.” According to Thomas, Brown still very much fits with Boston and the Celtics “intellectually and spiritually.” “Yeah, he’s been great there,” Thomas told Heavy. “He’s had a great career there, and he’s become one of the best players in the league. They’ve done well, and he’s done well there. It’s been a win-win, I think, for him and for the Celtics.”-via Steve Bulpett @Heavy.com

and the part privately that we dont hear is take the money and demand a trade down the road. Money first, forced trade second no doubt. Not my favorite of advisors for JB for sure

I'm not actually sure that would be Thomas' advice, but in any case it's still better for the Celtics if Brown signs the extension and then forces a trade next summer rather than leaving as a free agent next summer.

Hopefully any forced trades are kept out of the media so that his trade value doesn't tank in those circumstances.

[Celtics2021]

Isiah Thomas hasn’t spoken to Jaylen Brown since the Celtics were eliminated from the playoffs. But the Piston legend, a mentor to Brown from their ties to Cal, has prepared the advice he will give when next they chat. “Take the money,” Thomas told Heavy Sports through a laugh. Brown still has a year left on his Boston contract, but because of his second team All-NBA selection, he is eligible to sign a supermax extension of five years and some $290 million this summer. “Take the money,” Thomas repeated.  – via Steve Bulpett @ Heavy.com

Later that evening when we spoke, Isiah said, “When I got to know Jaylen Brown and how he played, I said to him — and this is before the draft process started — I said to him, ‘You’re a Celtic.’ He fits the Celtic culture that I played against, that I competed against. That I know.” According to Thomas, Brown still very much fits with Boston and the Celtics “intellectually and spiritually.” “Yeah, he’s been great there,” Thomas told Heavy. “He’s had a great career there, and he’s become one of the best players in the league. They’ve done well, and he’s done well there. It’s been a win-win, I think, for him and for the Celtics.”-via Steve Bulpett @Heavy.com

and the part privately that we dont hear is take the money and demand a trade down the road. Money first, forced trade second no doubt. Not my favorite of advisors for JB for sure

I'm not actually sure that would be Thomas' advice, but in any case it's still better for the Celtics if Brown signs the extension and then forces a trade next summer rather than leaving as a free agent next summer.

Hopefully any forced trades are kept out of the media so that his trade value doesn't tank in those circumstances.

I’d prefer it happens quietly, but the Nets seemed to do just fine despite how publicly messy the Durant and Irving situations were, so I’m not sure that actually impacts trade value.

[Roy H.]

“Everyone keeps saying Damian Lillard is going to be traded to the Knicks, Damian Lillard should be traded to the Heat, Damian Lillard should be traded to the Celtics, Damian Lillard is going to be traded to the Nets. If one of those trades went through, out of those teams, which one would you be like, ‘Eh, that’s not so bad.’”

“Miami, obviously,” Lillard replied with a laugh. “Bam is my dog for real but Miami is an obvious one. Brooklyn is another obvious one because Mikal Bridges is my dog too.”

On the topic of his future in Portland and a potential trade request, Lillard also stated that his top choice would be “to have an opportunity to win in Portland. We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have.”

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2023/06/damian-lillard-picks-heat-nets-over-celtics-in-hypothetical-trade-scenario.html

[dannyboy35]

  Unless you want to drink into the wee hours I’ve never understood the appeal of NY.

[Vermont Green]

  Unless you want to drink into the wee hours I’ve never understood the appeal of NY.

I am guessing you have a lot less money than Lillard. I can see NY being really fun if you are filthy rich. 

[Neurotic Guy]

  Unless you want to drink into the wee hours I’ve never understood the appeal of NY.

I am guessing you have a lot less money than Lillard. I can see NY being really fun if you are filthy rich.

Also, these guys (even the old ones) are young.  33 is basketball old but not human old.  Lots going on in NYC - not my cup o tea but the cup o tea of many.

[Birdman]

Lillard has a lot of miles on those legs plus has a huge contract..I be wary of him at 33 years old next season

[Kernewek]

“Everyone keeps saying Damian Lillard is going to be traded to the Knicks, Damian Lillard should be traded to the Heat, Damian Lillard should be traded to the Celtics, Damian Lillard is going to be traded to the Nets. If one of those trades went through, out of those teams, which one would you be like, ‘Eh, that’s not so bad.’”

“Miami, obviously,” Lillard replied with a laugh. “Bam is my dog for real but Miami is an obvious one. Brooklyn is another obvious one because Mikal Bridges is my dog too.”

On the topic of his future in Portland and a potential trade request, Lillard also stated that his top choice would be “to have an opportunity to win in Portland. We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have.”

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2023/06/damian-lillard-picks-heat-nets-over-celtics-in-hypothetical-trade-scenario.html

No income tax in Florida 

[CelticsWhat35]

“Everyone keeps saying Damian Lillard is going to be traded to the Knicks, Damian Lillard should be traded to the Heat, Damian Lillard should be traded to the Celtics, Damian Lillard is going to be traded to the Nets. If one of those trades went through, out of those teams, which one would you be like, ‘Eh, that’s not so bad.’”

“Miami, obviously,” Lillard replied with a laugh. “Bam is my dog for real but Miami is an obvious one. Brooklyn is another obvious one because Mikal Bridges is my dog too.”

On the topic of his future in Portland and a potential trade request, Lillard also stated that his top choice would be “to have an opportunity to win in Portland. We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have.”

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2023/06/damian-lillard-picks-heat-nets-over-celtics-in-hypothetical-trade-scenario.html

No income tax in Florida 

What’s his excuse for Brooklyn?  He clearly doesn’t care much about winning a championship; also, how does he expect the Nets to put together a package that doesn’t include Bridges?

[Celtics2021]

“Everyone keeps saying Damian Lillard is going to be traded to the Knicks, Damian Lillard should be traded to the Heat, Damian Lillard should be traded to the Celtics, Damian Lillard is going to be traded to the Nets. If one of those trades went through, out of those teams, which one would you be like, ‘Eh, that’s not so bad.’”

“Miami, obviously,” Lillard replied with a laugh. “Bam is my dog for real but Miami is an obvious one. Brooklyn is another obvious one because Mikal Bridges is my dog too.”

On the topic of his future in Portland and a potential trade request, Lillard also stated that his top choice would be “to have an opportunity to win in Portland. We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have.”

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2023/06/damian-lillard-picks-heat-nets-over-celtics-in-hypothetical-trade-scenario.html

No income tax in Florida 

What’s his excuse for Brooklyn?  He clearly doesn’t care much about winning a championship; also, how does he expect the Nets to put together a package that doesn’t include Bridges?

With all the picks the Nets got for Durant, they absolutely can put together a package that doesn’t include Bridges.

[Goldstar88]

“Everyone keeps saying Damian Lillard is going to be traded to the Knicks, Damian Lillard should be traded to the Heat, Damian Lillard should be traded to the Celtics, Damian Lillard is going to be traded to the Nets. If one of those trades went through, out of those teams, which one would you be like, ‘Eh, that’s not so bad.’”

“Miami, obviously,” Lillard replied with a laugh. “Bam is my dog for real but Miami is an obvious one. Brooklyn is another obvious one because Mikal Bridges is my dog too.”

On the topic of his future in Portland and a potential trade request, Lillard also stated that his top choice would be “to have an opportunity to win in Portland. We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have.”

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2023/06/damian-lillard-picks-heat-nets-over-celtics-in-hypothetical-trade-scenario.html

No income tax in Florida 

What’s his excuse for Brooklyn?  He clearly doesn’t care much about winning a championship; also, how does he expect the Nets to put together a package that doesn’t include Bridges?

With all the picks the Nets got for Durant, they absolutely can put together a package that doesn’t include Bridges.

Yep. Was just going to say Simmons, plus a few smaller salaries and X amount of first round picks. I’d rather Dame goes to Brooklyn. They still won’t be good enough to contend.

If he goes to Miami for a package around Herro, that’s going to be a problem for the C’s.
Lillard, Butler, Bam core would be tough..

[CelticsWhat35]

“Everyone keeps saying Damian Lillard is going to be traded to the Knicks, Damian Lillard should be traded to the Heat, Damian Lillard should be traded to the Celtics, Damian Lillard is going to be traded to the Nets. If one of those trades went through, out of those teams, which one would you be like, ‘Eh, that’s not so bad.’”

“Miami, obviously,” Lillard replied with a laugh. “Bam is my dog for real but Miami is an obvious one. Brooklyn is another obvious one because Mikal Bridges is my dog too.”

On the topic of his future in Portland and a potential trade request, Lillard also stated that his top choice would be “to have an opportunity to win in Portland. We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have.”

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2023/06/damian-lillard-picks-heat-nets-over-celtics-in-hypothetical-trade-scenario.html

No income tax in Florida 

What’s his excuse for Brooklyn?  He clearly doesn’t care much about winning a championship; also, how does he expect the Nets to put together a package that doesn’t include Bridges?

With all the picks the Nets got for Durant, they absolutely can put together a package that doesn’t include Bridges.

Sorry forgot about the picks, but no way they take on Simmons’ contract so how are they’d need a 3rd team involved right?

[celticsclay]

“Everyone keeps saying Damian Lillard is going to be traded to the Knicks, Damian Lillard should be traded to the Heat, Damian Lillard should be traded to the Celtics, Damian Lillard is going to be traded to the Nets. If one of those trades went through, out of those teams, which one would you be like, ‘Eh, that’s not so bad.’”

“Miami, obviously,” Lillard replied with a laugh. “Bam is my dog for real but Miami is an obvious one. Brooklyn is another obvious one because Mikal Bridges is my dog too.”

On the topic of his future in Portland and a potential trade request, Lillard also stated that his top choice would be “to have an opportunity to win in Portland. We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have.”

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2023/06/damian-lillard-picks-heat-nets-over-celtics-in-hypothetical-trade-scenario.html

No income tax in Florida 

What’s his excuse for Brooklyn?  He clearly doesn’t care much about winning a championship; also, how does he expect the Nets to put together a package that doesn’t include Bridges?

With all the picks the Nets got for Durant, they absolutely can put together a package that doesn’t include Bridges.

Yep. Was just going to say Simmons, plus a few smaller salaries and X amount of first round picks. I’d rather Dame goes to Brooklyn. They still won’t be good enough to contend.

If he goes to Miami for a package around Herro, that’s going to be a problem for the C’s.
Lillard, Butler, Bam core would be tough..

Every respected NBA writer that has discussed it said has said simmons is one of the worst contracts in the NBA. In addition to his chronic back issues which have been going on for years now, there are serious questions if he even wants to play basketball or just be a celebrity. I would be absolutely stunned if he was part of the return for Lilliard.

[Celtics2021]

“Everyone keeps saying Damian Lillard is going to be traded to the Knicks, Damian Lillard should be traded to the Heat, Damian Lillard should be traded to the Celtics, Damian Lillard is going to be traded to the Nets. If one of those trades went through, out of those teams, which one would you be like, ‘Eh, that’s not so bad.’”

“Miami, obviously,” Lillard replied with a laugh. “Bam is my dog for real but Miami is an obvious one. Brooklyn is another obvious one because Mikal Bridges is my dog too.”

On the topic of his future in Portland and a potential trade request, Lillard also stated that his top choice would be “to have an opportunity to win in Portland. We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have.”

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2023/06/damian-lillard-picks-heat-nets-over-celtics-in-hypothetical-trade-scenario.html

No income tax in Florida 

What’s his excuse for Brooklyn?  He clearly doesn’t care much about winning a championship; also, how does he expect the Nets to put together a package that doesn’t include Bridges?

With all the picks the Nets got for Durant, they absolutely can put together a package that doesn’t include Bridges.

Sorry forgot about the picks, but no way they take on Simmons’ contract so how are they’d need a 3rd team involved right?

If they're moving Lillard, they're going for a rebuild, so I think Simmons' contract is less of a hurdle.  There are only two years left, and it will come off the books before Sharpe is ready for an extension, and it still saves them money relative to Dame over this year and next.  If they wanted to do something in 2024 after having spent this year rebuilding, Simmons would be an expiring that could be useful in a trade.