Big Man Options

[keevsnick]

I think we've all gone up and down the teams in the NBA, wondering about the right fit for this team.

As currently constructed, I don't think a single name mentioned makes sense for this team. We don't have similar contracts invested in similar talent level to make the trades fair. We are either giving up way too much, or the players we want have too high of salary.

If a player was bought out, it might make sense to pick them up (Gasol, Whiteside, etc.), but I don't see another fit for a trade whatsoever, except ...

One player that is not on the list and I don't believe has been mentioned in this thread.

The only player that makes sense to me is Karl Anthony-Towns. I think a package of Smart-Tatum-Theis-Memphis 1st gets the value in the ballpark of what Minny would be looking for (although they may want more). At this point, there is no evidence whatsoever that Towns is trying to get out, and there's no reason the Wolves would trade him unless things blow up.

Given that he is the most likely possibility I see, it seems pretty clear that the Cs will focus on internal development. Williams, Williams, Tatum, and Brown will need to be able to hold their own, or they won't. I don't see Danny making a trade he loses just to sure up an area of weakness right now, especially if the player is only marginally better than our young bigs that are sill developing (ie Dedmon, etc.).

I think Towns is likely a target for Ainge -- a few years down the road.  I don't think it's likely that the Wolves will look to trade him anytime soon.

I agree though that Towns is the most obvious next big name that the Celts might try to get in on.  I suspect that once it  became clear the Celts weren't getting AD, Danny started thinking about the next superstar talent that could eventually be available, and Towns is the most obvious answer (unless you think Giannis will leave Milwaukee in 2021).

Question is whether they will have the assets to go after Towns if and when he does become available, or if they'll have to try to chase him in free agency.

Towns has five years left on his deal (including this year). I know player movement is big, but who was the last superstar traded with more than two years left? The reason he's not on the thread is because I was focused on guys I thought might actually be moved.

I agree with the second point, the real answer might be internal development. Maybe Robert Williams can be a starter by years end.

[Phantom255x]

This is becoming a real Achilles heel for Danny Ainge.

I mean, what is this, the 6th or 7th straight year with a limited frontcourt?? Horford and Baynes were great for us over the last few years, but behind them we got nothing for depth (besides guys like Theis who are more PFs though). Even Horford honestly isn't your "traditional" center, although that's another discussion. So if one guy got hurt, our front court was pretty much screwed.

We also toiled through the years of post KG + Perkins with Sully/Zeller/Amir/Olynyk (ugh).

Even this season, while I like Kanter and hope Timelord does well, this front court was limited in depth going into the season and we all knew it. Now just 1 game in and Kanter's apparently hurt too.

Will Danny do anything about it, or will it just be, "screw rebounding, we love smallball and defense!"

[Jiri Welsch]

We might be best served throwing Timelord into the fire and just seeing if he can improve.

[LilRip]

How about...Deandre Jordan? Idk the news about that guy but he comes off the bench for the Nets now

[jpd985]

How about...Deandre Jordan? Idk the news about that guy but he comes off the bench for the Nets now

He wanted to play with Durant and Kyrie

[Birdman]

Still cant understand why Ainge drafted 3 guards and a undersized PF instead getting at least 2 legit big men..there was some available..but Ainge loves those guards

[Fierce1]

I still think the Celts need an upgrade at the PF or C position.

With Jaylen getting an extension, the Celts can no longer afford guys like Kevin Love and Blake Griffin.

One big man I think can help the Celts and the Celts can afford is Tristan Thompson.

Thompson would really help the Celts in the paint.

Guys like Wanamaker, Poirier, Kanter, and Theis can be traded December or January.
Celts can even include Langford now that the Celts locked up Brown long term.

Making a trade for Thompson also gives the Celts cap relief as Thompson has an expiring contract.

I think Thompson would be an upgrade.

What you guys think?

[Who]

Big contract. Can you match his salary without losing any of our top players?

[Surferdad]

Not a fan of Tristan Kardasian, but if Ainge can get him without giving up too much, then I'm fine b/c he brings what they need now.  However, I definitely would hold on to Langford who hasn't played one NBA game yet.

[Moranis]

Big contract. Can you match his salary without losing any of our top players?

Yeah that is the problem.  I mean if you included Theis, Kanter, and Langford you would get somewhat close, but I'm not sure what the point in that would be as you would optimally add Thompson to the front court, not deplete the front court even more to acquire him. 

[bdm860]

Big contract. Can you match his salary without losing any of our top players?

Yeah that is the problem.  I mean if you included Theis, Kanter, and Langford you would get somewhat close, but I'm not sure what the point in that would be as you would optimally add Thompson to the front court, not deplete the front court even more to acquire him.

Even though Fierce1 said trade, he's an expiring, so maybe he'll be a buyout candidate and C's can pick him up that way.

Then the question becomes does Boston became the preferred destination? They have the minutes to offer, while most contenders seem pretty set at center now (of course a lot of time for injuries to happen that would open up playing time on other teams).

[footey]

I haven’t watched Tristan play much the last couple of seasons.

How well has he been defending of late, Moranis?

[Fierce1]

Big contract. Can you match his salary without losing any of our top players?

Yeah that is the problem.  I mean if you included Theis, Kanter, and Langford you would get somewhat close, but I'm not sure what the point in that would be as you would optimally add Thompson to the front court, not deplete the front court even more to acquire him.

I think it's worth it if the Celts end up keeping Rob Williams.

Thompson, RWill, and GWill will be enough heading into the playoffs.

Celts can then add another veteran big man for the minimum once buyout season starts.

[SHAQATTACK]

Bron liked him ,  so there is that

most likey be a faker

[Celtics4ever]

I hate it, dude is a punk.