If tanking isn't working, maybe go the other way.(trade ideas)

[Chris]

I am starting to wonder if you can add this years pick, top 3 protected, into the trade assets category, just to see what someone would give up. 

For example, could you get Memphis to listen on a trade of Humphries, Olynyk, Bogans, 2014 top 3 protected pick, 2015 Clippers pick, and maybe 1 more pick for Gasol and Prince?

Could Jeff Green and Lee get you Ben Gordon and MKG?

And how good would this team be:

PG: Rondo, Crawford
SG: Bradley, Gordon
SF: Prince, MKG, Wallace
PF: Sully, Bass, Wallace
C: Gasol, Fav

I think that could be an interesting copy of the team Memphis has had the last few years.  And maybe better because of the bench, even if Randolph is a significant upgrade over Sully.  This team could really be VERY tough defensively, and with the big front-court, the defensive players on the wing, and strength at PG, they would be a potentially difficult matchup for both the Heat and the Pacers.  Probably not good enough to beat them, but enough to make a game of it, if they gel.

Of course, this is taking a huge leap that Memphis would trade Gasol for a package like that.  But you never know given the strength in the West, and this could allow them to jumpstart their rebuilding.

[Evantime34]

I want to throw out the caveat that this is just fun. I don't think the Celtics should do a deal like this, but it is fun to discuss.

I love the Gasol deal but I think they probably look to move Randolph to free up time  Ed Davis.

How about Humphries, Green and a top 3 protected pick for Carmelo? I know Carmelo is hated here and with good reason, but I think with Rondo regulating his shots and a coach that doesn't run strictly isolations, Melo could excel.

[CFAN38]

I want to throw out the caveat that this is just fun. I don't think the Celtics should do a deal like this, but it is fun to discuss.

I love the Gasol deal but I think they probably look to move Randolph to free up time  Ed Davis.

How about Humphries, Green and a top 3 protected pick for Carmelo? I know Carmelo is hated here and with good reason, but I think with Rondo regulating his shots and a coach that doesn't run strictly isolations, Melo could excel.

I tend to think he would struggle in a team offence and the Cs would be forced into a watch Melo offense.  no thanks

[Chris]

I want to throw out the caveat that this is just fun. I don't think the Celtics should do a deal like this, but it is fun to discuss.

I love the Gasol deal but I think they probably look to move Randolph to free up time  Ed Davis.

How about Humphries, Green and a top 3 protected pick for Carmelo? I know Carmelo is hated here and with good reason, but I think with Rondo regulating his shots and a coach that doesn't run strictly isolations, Melo could excel.

I like Carmelo, so I would strongly consider it.  The only problem is that he could walk at the end of the season.  But if you can get some sort of commitment from him not to walk, then I would do it. 

[pearljammer10]

There no way we are getting Gasol. Obviously Id love to have him and he'd be a perfect addition for us but I dont see that happening. What a line up we could have.

The Grizz will be looking to move Randolph if they make any trades, not Gasol.

[mgent]

I think Hump + Bogans + 2 firsts for Tyson Chandler is more doable and a better return.  Memphis has never had a probelm staying under the luxury tax.  NY on the other hand has the most money commited next year (91 mil) and they have a much worse record (3-13).

[Chris]

I think Hump + Bogans + 2 firsts for Tyson Chandler is more doable and a better return.  Memphis has never had a probelm staying under the luxury tax.  NY on the other hand has the most money commited next year (91 mil) and they have a much worse record (3-13).

I just have a harder time seeing NY, who don't even have their pick this year, giving up on the season.  Although if they are not back on track in February, you may be right.

[BleedGreen1989]

I am starting to wonder if you can add this years pick, top 3 protected, into the trade assets category, just to see what someone would give up. 

For example, could you get Memphis to listen on a trade of Humphries, Olynyk, Bogans, 2014 top 3 protected pick, 2015 Clippers pick, and maybe 1 more pick for Gasol and Prince?

Could Jeff Green and Lee get you Ben Gordon and MKG?

And how good would this team be:

PG: Rondo, Crawford
SG: Bradley, Gordon
SF: Prince, MKG, Wallace
PF: Sully, Bass, Wallace
C: Gasol, Fav

I think that could be an interesting copy of the team Memphis has had the last few years.  And maybe better because of the bench, even if Randolph is a significant upgrade over Sully.  This team could really be VERY tough defensively, and with the big front-court, the defensive players on the wing, and strength at PG, they would be a potentially difficult matchup for both the Heat and the Pacers.  Probably not good enough to beat them, but enough to make a game of it, if they gel.

Of course, this is taking a huge leap that Memphis would trade Gasol for a package like that.  But you never know given the strength in the West, and this could allow them to jumpstart their rebuilding.

I have chatted with Hornet fans about MKG. Some see his ceiling lower than others while some still expect great things from him.

I think a Jeff Green and Brandon Bass for MKG and Ben Gordan is a win-win.

For Boston, they add a nice young piece in MKG. I don't see him as a star, but somewhere around Iggoudala? It also helps them lose games by getting rid of Green and Bass who are doing just enough to win some games and MKG will be nursing a bad hand.

For Charlotte, it helps strengthen them for their first playoff run. They could have a starting 5 of,

Walker
Henderson
Green
Bass
Jefferson

Not winning a title but talented and balanced enough to compete.

[Evantime34]

I want to throw out the caveat that this is just fun. I don't think the Celtics should do a deal like this, but it is fun to discuss.

I love the Gasol deal but I think they probably look to move Randolph to free up time  Ed Davis.

How about Humphries, Green and a top 3 protected pick for Carmelo? I know Carmelo is hated here and with good reason, but I think with Rondo regulating his shots and a coach that doesn't run strictly isolations, Melo could excel.

I tend to think he would struggle in a team offence and the Cs would be forced into a watch Melo offense.  no thanks

Maybe his unwillingness to sign an extension drives the price down and allows him to get a one year audition with us.

[Who]

I don't see Memphis trading Marc Gasol. He is the one guy Memphis will try their utmost to hold onto. So I don't think they trade him for a perspective pick especially to a Boston team that would be pretty good post-trade.

Not confident enough in MKG to give up an important piece for him. I would rather hold onto Jeff Green. I am worried about how weak MKG's offensive game is and the lack of development offensively he has shown since coming into the league. So I would rather just play that one cautiously. Wait and observe. Not enough confidence to invest in MKG that much in him.

I do like the idea of trying to see if a trade is out there. In another 4-6 weeks, I expect a few teams will begin reassessing where they truly are and how they should move forward. Some players will become available then. Hopefully someone who is right for this Boston team.