Sounds like OKC is the third team and willing to take Batum but asking for what must be a first rounder from Celtics
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/nba-rumors-celtics-hornets-sign-161421997.html
That's just not how it works. If Danny gives up a 1st, then the Cs are getting fleeced. CHA desperately wants to get out from underneath Batum's contract. Whenever that is the case, the team that is shedding salary is the one who gives up a 1st.
I would say, the deal should go something like this. Batum and a CHA 1st to OKC / TPE to BOS / Hayward and a BOS 2nd to CHA.
I agree generally. That's probably what it ends up being. But if you get creative right now things could get interesting.
They could break this down into two deals where the Celtics give up more value in the first deal (Edwards? A second?) to get the trade exception with a wink wink second deal in place to receive Horford's contract into the trade exception they just got for a top 55 protected pick. Horford's contract would not count against the cap this season.
Things would get hairy next season with the luxury tax for sure, but there is always a team willing to take a contract like Horford's for a 1st rounder. The Thunder just did. This would avoid the luxury tax for a season while putting a really good team out on the court.
I know many people don't like Horford or think he's washed up. I tend to think he could be as effective as he was in his last year with us again in a better situation. He is still a good role player that is basically free for salary cap purposes this year. He'd be a valuable veteran to have going against the Sixers in the playoffs.
Starters: Walker-Brown-Tatum-Horford-Thompson
Bench: Smart-Theis-Williams-Williams-Langford-Nesmith-Teague-Pritchard