Horford vs Thompson

[jambr380]

Obviously Horford. I am the one who started the Theis or Thompson thread before Theis thoroughly began outplaying TT, and I was still super pro-Theis in that thread. OKC acquired assets to take on Horford. I hardly imagine we would need to give up anything to get him, but it would be important that we stay under the tax.

I should note that I don't want anything to affect us re-signing Theis this off-season. I doubt he will break MLE level money and his versatility is just too important to what the Cs do.

[Goldstar88]

It's a great question, the right question to ask. We desperately need an upgrade in the front court. In the absence of being able to strike gold with our TPE and bring in a legit 3rd piece next to Tatum and Brown, I would seriously consider the following trade:

To the Celtics from OKC:  Horford, Muscala and George Hill

To OKC from the Celtics: Hayward TPE, use out other TPE's, draft picks and a player or two.

Why: 

1. If you're going to stick with Kemba for the next two years, might as well go in on Horford -their contracts would come up at the same time in two years.

2. Horford gives you a much better match up for Embiid, Giannis and AD should we get that far.

3. Muscala gives us some much needed size at the PF, and shooting.

4. George Hill would allow Smart to play some more three - Hill would meaningfully deepen our rotation.

5. You could then pursue another trade using Tristan Thompson to try and pry away some vet wing


Horford | Horford | Time Lord
Tatum | Muscala | Grant Williams
Brown | Ojeleye | Nesmith
Smart | Hill | Langford
Kemba | Teague | Pritchard

That team can play big or small, increases it's three point shooting and big man depth. It can win a title. OKC wants out of salary and draft picks.

I'd love to swing a deal to get that third star but in the absence of being able to do that, I'd pursue something like this. Tatum and Brown are capable of carrying us to a title but not if Ainge refuses to make moves to round out this team, particularly in the frontcourt. The othe rmove I'd seriously consider if I couldn't,  A) get the thrid star with the TPE and players, picks, or B) swing the OKC deal above, would be to C) go after Drummond with the TPE and draft picks.

Drummond
Tatum 
Brown
Smart
Kemba

With Theis, Thompson, Grant Williams, Time Lord, Ojeleye, Langofrd, Teague and Pritchard can also win a title.

My guess is Ainge does nothing though - short selling this team's shot at a title this year.       

   

I like the trade proposal with OKC. That would give the C’s some much needed depth. Also, regarding the TPE for Drummond, that would have to be an off-season move once he’s a FA. He currently makes too much money.