It seems like a given these days that we are most lacking in the Center position. How would you rate this trade:
Boston Sends to Minni : Gerald Wallace / Marcus Smart / Boston 2015 + 2016 1st Round Draft Picks
Boston Receives: Nikola Pekovic
Why for Boston?
Pek is a HUGE upgrade in center. He may not be the defensive stopper we crave, but he is a very good rebounder on both ends, he eats up space in the paint and is a very smart player. He is also a legit threat down low. Pek is 28 - same as Rondo which gives us a good 4-6 year run with him. He is also signed to a very reasonable deal for 3 years. With Pek on board, and Wallace's contract gone, we can sign one more impact player to become a contender.
Why for Minni?
With the emergance of Deng, Pek is a luxury Minni should cash in on - to free up dollars and minutes. Wallace's contract is nearly over, and they so far from Cap it doesn't matter.
Drafting Smart is huge for them. He is a PG - a position where they are the weakest. With Rubio expiring this gives the leverage / backup plan. Huge upgrade on defense / athleticism (a Smart Wiggins back court is a nightmare no NBA back court wants to face).
The draft picks are just a sweetener - but exactly the type of thing rebuilding teams want
Boston would have a lineup of
Rondo
Bradly
Green
Sully
Pek
With
KO, ET, Thornton coming off the bench. Next year, we sign a bona fida scorer at SF (old pal Gerald Green?) to add some more offensive firepower on the perimeter, plus we still have a ton of draft picks to play with.
Your thoughts?