B/R trade idea: Siakam to the C's

[Jvalin]

It goes without saying that B/R ain't no Woj/Shams. It's just a trade idea.
- Would you guys pull the trigger?
- Is it a realistic idea? If not, feel free to propose a counter offer.
- Would Wyc be willing to pay the necessary tax?

(click on image to enlarge)

Boston Celtics Receive: Pascal Siakam and Goran Dragic

Toronto Raptors Receive: Marcus Smart*, Al Horford and Romeo Langford

It feels wrong to boot Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics. The fiery defensive dynamo has been a key factor in four conference finals appearances and, despite persistent overconfidence in his shot, has done far more good than harm during his eight seasons with the team.

That said, Smart is no star. Same goes for Al Horford, whose minutes this year have coincided with a minus-7.3 net rating.

They depart in exchange for Pascal Siakam, giving the Celtics a fearsome, fully switchable, kinda-sorta centerless look that could help unlock new dimensions on both ends. Siakam has won a ring and made an All-NBA team in 2019-20. He's played a career-high 41 percent of his minutes as a small-ball 5 and is far more mobile than Horford. His assist percentage is quietly right on track to match that of the Boston big man this season.

Siakam is also shooting it better from the field and from deep, and he's eight years younger than Horford, putting him more in line with the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown age band. Robert Williams III can still start alongside Tatum, Brown and Siakam, but it's easy to imagine the Celtics downsizing to close games.

Smart is a friction creator—on the floor and off. That tendency toward confrontation is part of what makes him a special defender, but perhaps some of the tension in Boston would ease in his absence.

Dragic, who's played five games all year and is currently away from the Raptors for personal reasons, would provide playmaking to offset Smart's exit. The Raps probably hoped to get more for him in trade, but this at least beats a buyout. Horford, meanwhile, would give Toronto the reliable center it's lacked since losing the Marc Gasol-Serge Ibaka tandem in 2020 free agency.

Sorry, Romeo Langford. You're salary filler.

*Smart can't go anywhere until six months after he signed his extension, which means this deal can't happen until Jan. 25.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2951003-nba-trade-packages-to-create-the-next-big-3

[Roy H.]

It depends on somebody’s impression of Smart and his extension.  I think the deal clearly favors the Celts.

[Birdman]

Heck yea!! Do it Brad but won’t

[todd_days_41]

As previously, stated -- struggle to see how adding Siakum balances this team. Just get Jaylen Brown healthy.... he's better than Siakum.

[Jvalin]

As previously, stated -- struggle to see how adding Siakum balances this team. Just get Jaylen Brown healthy.... he's better than Siakum.

PG: Dragic
SG: Brown
SF: Tatum
PF: Siakam
C: Timelord

6th man: Schroder

I struggle to see how this is a less balanced team compared to what we have right now. Personally speaking, I'd start Dragic over Schroder cause he'd be better suited in a limited role behind our big 3. Schroder needs the ball in his hands to maximize his effectiveness. He's perfectly suited running the point for the second unit.

That said, I believe the Raps say no and they ask for Timelord over Romeo (or another variation which includes Timelord).

[Rosco917]

It goes without saying that B/R ain't no Woj/Shams. It's just a trade idea.
- Would you guys pull the trigger?
- Is it a realistic idea? If not, feel free to propose a counter offer.
- Would Wyc be willing to pay the necessary tax?

(click on image to enlarge)

Boston Celtics Receive: Pascal Siakam and Goran Dragic

Toronto Raptors Receive: Marcus Smart*, Al Horford and Romeo Langford

It feels wrong to boot Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics. The fiery defensive dynamo has been a key factor in four conference finals appearances and, despite persistent overconfidence in his shot, has done far more good than harm during his eight seasons with the team.

That said, Smart is no star. Same goes for Al Horford, whose minutes this year have coincided with a minus-7.3 net rating.

They depart in exchange for Pascal Siakam, giving the Celtics a fearsome, fully switchable, kinda-sorta centerless look that could help unlock new dimensions on both ends. Siakam has won a ring and made an All-NBA team in 2019-20. He's played a career-high 41 percent of his minutes as a small-ball 5 and is far more mobile than Horford. His assist percentage is quietly right on track to match that of the Boston big man this season.

Siakam is also shooting it better from the field and from deep, and he's eight years younger than Horford, putting him more in line with the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown age band. Robert Williams III can still start alongside Tatum, Brown and Siakam, but it's easy to imagine the Celtics downsizing to close games.

Smart is a friction creator—on the floor and off. That tendency toward confrontation is part of what makes him a special defender, but perhaps some of the tension in Boston would ease in his absence.

Dragic, who's played five games all year and is currently away from the Raptors for personal reasons, would provide playmaking to offset Smart's exit. The Raps probably hoped to get more for him in trade, but this at least beats a buyout. Horford, meanwhile, would give Toronto the reliable center it's lacked since losing the Marc Gasol-Serge Ibaka tandem in 2020 free agency.

Sorry, Romeo Langford. You're salary filler.

*Smart can't go anywhere until six months after he signed his extension, which means this deal can't happen until Jan. 25.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2951003-nba-trade-packages-to-create-the-next-big-3

Why would Wyc pay a luxury tax on a team that severely under performs? On a team that consistently demonstrates that they don't get it? It's so easy to spend OPM.

[Moranis]

If that trade is on the table in January, Boston pretty much has to do it.

[todd_days_41]

As previously, stated -- struggle to see how adding Siakum balances this team. Just get Jaylen Brown healthy.... he's better than Siakum.

PG: Dragic
SG: Brown
SF: Tatum
PF: Siakam
C: Timelord

6th man: Schroder

I struggle to see how this is a less balanced team compared to what we have right now. Personally speaking, I'd start Dragic over Schroder cause he'd be better suited in a limited role behind our big 3. Schroder needs the ball in his hands to maximize his effectiveness. He's perfectly suited running the point for the second unit.

That said, I believe the Raps say no and they ask for Timelord over Romeo (or another variation which includes Timelord).

You and I just have a different view of Siakum, particularly as a third fiddle to Tatum and Brown. I'd simply prefer to use assets for a different -- hopefully, better -- player.

And no way I'm trading Timelord for Siakum.

[johnnygreen]

This may sound strange, but the inclusion of Horford (obviously for salary) ruins the idea for me. He seems like the teams most consistent player this season, and will be needed if the team makes the playoffs. Plus, I don't trust Timelord being healthy all season, and only having Freedom for a backup.

I do agree the Celtics need to look into trading Smart, when he becomes eligible. He is a great 6th man, but now plays like he's the teams 3rd option, which oversteps his role and diminishes his importance to the team.

[Vermont Green]

I like the trade as far as Siakam for Horford and Langford (maybe add in a stash or pick) but I don't like it if it has to include Smart and Dragic.  Not sure that would be enough for Toronto, probably not, but Siakam would assume the role of our primary PF and then we have Williams and Kanter as the centers.

Siakam is probably at a bit of a premium at $33M but good PFs are hard to find.

[celts10]

Not sure why Toronto would do this. Can't they get a much better package for Siakam from other teams? And I don't see us trading Horford (at least this season).

[BudweiserCeltic]

It goes without saying that B/R ain't no Woj/Shams. It's just a trade idea.
- Would you guys pull the trigger?
- Is it a realistic idea? If not, feel free to propose a counter offer.
- Would Wyc be willing to pay the necessary tax?

(click on image to enlarge)

Boston Celtics Receive: Pascal Siakam and Goran Dragic

Toronto Raptors Receive: Marcus Smart*, Al Horford and Romeo Langford

It feels wrong to boot Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics. The fiery defensive dynamo has been a key factor in four conference finals appearances and, despite persistent overconfidence in his shot, has done far more good than harm during his eight seasons with the team.

That said, Smart is no star. Same goes for Al Horford, whose minutes this year have coincided with a minus-7.3 net rating.

They depart in exchange for Pascal Siakam, giving the Celtics a fearsome, fully switchable, kinda-sorta centerless look that could help unlock new dimensions on both ends. Siakam has won a ring and made an All-NBA team in 2019-20. He's played a career-high 41 percent of his minutes as a small-ball 5 and is far more mobile than Horford. His assist percentage is quietly right on track to match that of the Boston big man this season.

Siakam is also shooting it better from the field and from deep, and he's eight years younger than Horford, putting him more in line with the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown age band. Robert Williams III can still start alongside Tatum, Brown and Siakam, but it's easy to imagine the Celtics downsizing to close games.

Smart is a friction creator—on the floor and off. That tendency toward confrontation is part of what makes him a special defender, but perhaps some of the tension in Boston would ease in his absence.

Dragic, who's played five games all year and is currently away from the Raptors for personal reasons, would provide playmaking to offset Smart's exit. The Raps probably hoped to get more for him in trade, but this at least beats a buyout. Horford, meanwhile, would give Toronto the reliable center it's lacked since losing the Marc Gasol-Serge Ibaka tandem in 2020 free agency.

Sorry, Romeo Langford. You're salary filler.

*Smart can't go anywhere until six months after he signed his extension, which means this deal can't happen until Jan. 25.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2951003-nba-trade-packages-to-create-the-next-big-3

Why would Wyc pay a luxury tax on a team that severely under performs? On a team that consistently demonstrates that they don't get it? It's so easy to spend OPM.

We are already paying tax... not sure what you guys are talking about. It's a change to potentially improve the team, so underperformance considerations are out of the door when considering potential salary increase.

[todd_days_41]

It goes without saying that B/R ain't no Woj/Shams. It's just a trade idea.
- Would you guys pull the trigger?
- Is it a realistic idea? If not, feel free to propose a counter offer.
- Would Wyc be willing to pay the necessary tax?

(click on image to enlarge)

Boston Celtics Receive: Pascal Siakam and Goran Dragic

Toronto Raptors Receive: Marcus Smart*, Al Horford and Romeo Langford

It feels wrong to boot Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics. The fiery defensive dynamo has been a key factor in four conference finals appearances and, despite persistent overconfidence in his shot, has done far more good than harm during his eight seasons with the team.

That said, Smart is no star. Same goes for Al Horford, whose minutes this year have coincided with a minus-7.3 net rating.

They depart in exchange for Pascal Siakam, giving the Celtics a fearsome, fully switchable, kinda-sorta centerless look that could help unlock new dimensions on both ends. Siakam has won a ring and made an All-NBA team in 2019-20. He's played a career-high 41 percent of his minutes as a small-ball 5 and is far more mobile than Horford. His assist percentage is quietly right on track to match that of the Boston big man this season.

Siakam is also shooting it better from the field and from deep, and he's eight years younger than Horford, putting him more in line with the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown age band. Robert Williams III can still start alongside Tatum, Brown and Siakam, but it's easy to imagine the Celtics downsizing to close games.

Smart is a friction creator—on the floor and off. That tendency toward confrontation is part of what makes him a special defender, but perhaps some of the tension in Boston would ease in his absence.

Dragic, who's played five games all year and is currently away from the Raptors for personal reasons, would provide playmaking to offset Smart's exit. The Raps probably hoped to get more for him in trade, but this at least beats a buyout. Horford, meanwhile, would give Toronto the reliable center it's lacked since losing the Marc Gasol-Serge Ibaka tandem in 2020 free agency.

Sorry, Romeo Langford. You're salary filler.

*Smart can't go anywhere until six months after he signed his extension, which means this deal can't happen until Jan. 25.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2951003-nba-trade-packages-to-create-the-next-big-3

Why would Wyc pay a luxury tax on a team that severely under performs? On a team that consistently demonstrates that they don't get it? It's so easy to spend OPM.

We are already paying tax... not sure what you guys are talking about. It's a change to potentially improve the team, so underperformance considerations are out of the door when considering potential salary increase.

Cs aren't paying the tax yet, are they? If they subtract at the deadline -- say, Schroder into a trade exception for a pick -- they can get under, I believe.

[Moranis]

It goes without saying that B/R ain't no Woj/Shams. It's just a trade idea.
- Would you guys pull the trigger?
- Is it a realistic idea? If not, feel free to propose a counter offer.
- Would Wyc be willing to pay the necessary tax?

(click on image to enlarge)

Boston Celtics Receive: Pascal Siakam and Goran Dragic

Toronto Raptors Receive: Marcus Smart*, Al Horford and Romeo Langford

It feels wrong to boot Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics. The fiery defensive dynamo has been a key factor in four conference finals appearances and, despite persistent overconfidence in his shot, has done far more good than harm during his eight seasons with the team.

That said, Smart is no star. Same goes for Al Horford, whose minutes this year have coincided with a minus-7.3 net rating.

They depart in exchange for Pascal Siakam, giving the Celtics a fearsome, fully switchable, kinda-sorta centerless look that could help unlock new dimensions on both ends. Siakam has won a ring and made an All-NBA team in 2019-20. He's played a career-high 41 percent of his minutes as a small-ball 5 and is far more mobile than Horford. His assist percentage is quietly right on track to match that of the Boston big man this season.

Siakam is also shooting it better from the field and from deep, and he's eight years younger than Horford, putting him more in line with the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown age band. Robert Williams III can still start alongside Tatum, Brown and Siakam, but it's easy to imagine the Celtics downsizing to close games.

Smart is a friction creator—on the floor and off. That tendency toward confrontation is part of what makes him a special defender, but perhaps some of the tension in Boston would ease in his absence.

Dragic, who's played five games all year and is currently away from the Raptors for personal reasons, would provide playmaking to offset Smart's exit. The Raps probably hoped to get more for him in trade, but this at least beats a buyout. Horford, meanwhile, would give Toronto the reliable center it's lacked since losing the Marc Gasol-Serge Ibaka tandem in 2020 free agency.

Sorry, Romeo Langford. You're salary filler.

*Smart can't go anywhere until six months after he signed his extension, which means this deal can't happen until Jan. 25.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2951003-nba-trade-packages-to-create-the-next-big-3

Why would Wyc pay a luxury tax on a team that severely under performs? On a team that consistently demonstrates that they don't get it? It's so easy to spend OPM.

We are already paying tax... not sure what you guys are talking about. It's a change to potentially improve the team, so underperformance considerations are out of the door when considering potential salary increase.

Cs aren't paying the tax yet, are they? If they subtract at the deadline -- say, Schroder into a trade exception for a pick -- they can get under, I believe.

So they are in the tax unless they dump salary.  Not sure what you are arguing about then.

[nickagneta]

I think someone...a big... that can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions would be a great addition to the team, especially given the fact that Horford most likely isn't a long term piece and is probably gone after this season.

So if the Celtics can land someone like:

Harrison Barnes
Jerami Grant
Pascal Siakam
Christian Wood
Domantas Sabonis
Rui Hachimura
Jonathan Isaac
Kyle Anderson
Robert Covington

players of that ilk, I think that would definitely balance out the team.