And while Gordon would be a welcome addition, a source with knowledge of the situation said there are conflicting views internally when it comes to the price the Nuggets should ultimately be willing to pay. The Celtics, as noted below, are believed to have put two first-round picks on the table as part of a Gordon proposal that also includes them landing Magic guard/free-agent-to-be Evan Fournier.
11 mins ago – via Sam Amick @ The Athletic
Other teams allegedly interested beyond the Nuggets and us include Portland and Houston.
So, some facts and assumptions:
1. We can only take one of Gordon / Fournier into the trade exception;
2. Orlando doesn't want to take on salary that puts them over the luxury tax;
3. The Celtics want to stay under the tax.
4. We have approximately $13.5 million in wiggle room according to media reports.
Our totally salary coming in would be $35,286,364. That means we'd have to shed $21 - $22 million in salary.
How do we accomplish that? The obvious answer is Kemba. The other somewhat easy method is Smart + Thompson, although Smart + Thompson + two #1s seems like an overpay.
3 Team Trade
New York - Walker, Edwards
Orlando - Ntkilina, Noel, Langford, BOS 21 1st, BOS 23 1st (lotto)
Boston - Gordon, Fournier, Burks, Bullock
Edit: The 4 Knick players could interchange between Boston and Orlando, but I think how I have it makes the most sense from a value/use perspective.
That Boston team isn't a contender, but I do think it is set up much better long term with Gordon instead of Walker being a better fit and making more sense next to Tatum and Brown. Burks and Bullock are solid vets and play a role for the current team and could be brought back on smaller contracts. You give it a go with Fournier this year and see how it works out and then decide whether to bring him back.
Rotation for this season
Starters - Smart, Brown, Tatum, Gordon, Thompson
Playoff Rotation - Fournier, R. Williams, Theis, Burks, Bullock
Reg. Season Rotation - Pritchard, Teague, Nesmith
Suits - Green, G. Williams, Fall, Waters