TPE's

[sgrogan]

While we are waiting for Sunday.

I am having trouble finding realistic targets. We just don't seem to have the assets to trade.
Are their 17M ish players that can be had for a 2nd rounder or even for 1st's that make us better?

[Celtics2021]

I think so, yes.  I think the more crucial question is if ownership would be willing to absorb that amount of salary while only sending out someone like Nesmith (ie adding $14 million to the payroll) in addition to a pick.  My hope would be yes, they will splurge for a season and be willing to go $15-$20 million over the tax line, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

[tazzmaniac]

Whose minutes would this 14M+ player take?  Nesmith isn't getting any minutes in the playoffs. 

[sgrogan]

I think so, yes.  I think the more crucial question is if ownership would be willing to absorb that amount of salary while only sending out someone like Nesmith (ie adding $14 million to the payroll) in addition to a pick.  My hope would be yes, they will splurge for a season and be willing to go $15-$20 million over the tax line, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

For this exercise, assume that ownership believes we are a true contender and will spend, I share your concerns.

I'm still having a problem finding targets that make us better. As I write this, maybe that's the problem. Ownership says it doesn't make us better, why spend the money.

[sgrogan]

Whose minutes would this 14M+ player take?  Nesmith isn't getting any minutes in the playoffs.

The 17M TPE is an expiring asset.
Un-said in my OP, is that I don't think we can use it productively and it will expire.

[Celtics2021]

I think so, yes.  I think the more crucial question is if ownership would be willing to absorb that amount of salary while only sending out someone like Nesmith (ie adding $14 million to the payroll) in addition to a pick.  My hope would be yes, they will splurge for a season and be willing to go $15-$20 million over the tax line, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

For this exercise, assume that ownership believes we are a true contender and will spend, I share your concerns.

I'm still having a problem finding targets that make us better. As I write this, maybe that's the problem. Ownership says it doesn't make us better, why spend the money.

I think Luke Kennard could be available from the Clippers, as one example.  They're over the tax by about $7 million as is with 10 players on their roster, and three key free agents in Covington, Batum, and Hartenstein.  I think he'd be an upgrade to Pritchard in the rotation, but he's not so good as to require multiple picks to acquire.

[sgrogan]

I think so, yes.  I think the more crucial question is if ownership would be willing to absorb that amount of salary while only sending out someone like Nesmith (ie adding $14 million to the payroll) in addition to a pick.  My hope would be yes, they will splurge for a season and be willing to go $15-$20 million over the tax line, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

For this exercise, assume that ownership believes we are a true contender and will spend, I share your concerns.

I'm still having a problem finding targets that make us better. As I write this, maybe that's the problem. Ownership says it doesn't make us better, why spend the money.

I think Luke Kennard could be available from the Clippers, as one example.  They're over the tax by about $7 million as is with 10 players on their roster, and three key free agents in Covington, Batum, and Hartenstein.  I think he'd be an upgrade to Pritchard in the rotation, but he's not so good as to require multiple picks to acquire.

Thanks, this is exactly what I'm looking for. The Clippers might even prefer Pritchard + pick.
So, to your point. Would the Celtics do Pritchard + 1st for Kennard + Salary?

[Celtics2021]

I think so, yes.  I think the more crucial question is if ownership would be willing to absorb that amount of salary while only sending out someone like Nesmith (ie adding $14 million to the payroll) in addition to a pick.  My hope would be yes, they will splurge for a season and be willing to go $15-$20 million over the tax line, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

For this exercise, assume that ownership believes we are a true contender and will spend, I share your concerns.

I'm still having a problem finding targets that make us better. As I write this, maybe that's the problem. Ownership says it doesn't make us better, why spend the money.

I think Luke Kennard could be available from the Clippers, as one example.  They're over the tax by about $7 million as is with 10 players on their roster, and three key free agents in Covington, Batum, and Hartenstein.  I think he'd be an upgrade to Pritchard in the rotation, but he's not so good as to require multiple picks to acquire.

Thanks, this is exactly what I'm looking for. The Clippers might even prefer Pritchard + pick.
So, to your point. Would the Celtics do Pritchard + 1st for Kennard + Salary?

I don’t think the C’s would go for Pritchard and a 1st.  I could see Nesmith and a 1st or Pritchard and maybe a 2nd.  The salary difference is big on both sides and thus a pick seems unlikely if the Clippers are getting a rotation player with two years left on a rookie deal.

[sgrogan]

I think so, yes.  I think the more crucial question is if ownership would be willing to absorb that amount of salary while only sending out someone like Nesmith (ie adding $14 million to the payroll) in addition to a pick.  My hope would be yes, they will splurge for a season and be willing to go $15-$20 million over the tax line, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

For this exercise, assume that ownership believes we are a true contender and will spend, I share your concerns.

I'm still having a problem finding targets that make us better. As I write this, maybe that's the problem. Ownership says it doesn't make us better, why spend the money.

I think Luke Kennard could be available from the Clippers, as one example.  They're over the tax by about $7 million as is with 10 players on their roster, and three key free agents in Covington, Batum, and Hartenstein.  I think he'd be an upgrade to Pritchard in the rotation, but he's not so good as to require multiple picks to acquire.

Thanks, this is exactly what I'm looking for. The Clippers might even prefer Pritchard + pick.
So, to your point. Would the Celtics do Pritchard + 1st for Kennard + Salary?

I don’t think the C’s would go for Pritchard and a 1st.  I could see Nesmith and a 1st or Pritchard and maybe a 2nd.  The salary difference is big on both sides and thus a pick seems unlikely if the Clippers are getting a rotation player with two years left on a rookie deal.

Thanks again. This is my dilemma. I don't know that the Clippers would accept either deal. As a celts fan I would probably accept either, but I'm hesitant to send out a first round pick. I think think the Clippers might accept Pritchard + 1st, but I lean towards it not being worth it. End result, no deal, TPE expires.

Celts2021, please keep them coming. This is exactly my point.

[Celtics2021]

I think so, yes.  I think the more crucial question is if ownership would be willing to absorb that amount of salary while only sending out someone like Nesmith (ie adding $14 million to the payroll) in addition to a pick.  My hope would be yes, they will splurge for a season and be willing to go $15-$20 million over the tax line, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

For this exercise, assume that ownership believes we are a true contender and will spend, I share your concerns.

I'm still having a problem finding targets that make us better. As I write this, maybe that's the problem. Ownership says it doesn't make us better, why spend the money.

I think Luke Kennard could be available from the Clippers, as one example.  They're over the tax by about $7 million as is with 10 players on their roster, and three key free agents in Covington, Batum, and Hartenstein.  I think he'd be an upgrade to Pritchard in the rotation, but he's not so good as to require multiple picks to acquire.

Thanks, this is exactly what I'm looking for. The Clippers might even prefer Pritchard + pick.
So, to your point. Would the Celtics do Pritchard + 1st for Kennard + Salary?

I don’t think the C’s would go for Pritchard and a 1st.  I could see Nesmith and a 1st or Pritchard and maybe a 2nd.  The salary difference is big on both sides and thus a pick seems unlikely if the Clippers are getting a rotation player with two years left on a rookie deal.

Thanks again. This is my dilemma. I don't know that the Clippers would accept either deal. As a celts fan I would probably accept either, but I'm hesitant to send out a first round pick. I think think the Clippers might accept Pritchard + 1st, but I lean towards it not being worth it. End result, no deal, TPE expires.

Celts2021, please keep them coming. This is exactly my point.

How about Daniel Theis and a 1st for Aaron Gordon?  The Nuggets have some significant tax issues as well, and Gordon fits into the TPE as long as the trade is completed prior to his extension kicking in on July 1st.

[footey]

I think so, yes.  I think the more crucial question is if ownership would be willing to absorb that amount of salary while only sending out someone like Nesmith (ie adding $14 million to the payroll) in addition to a pick.  My hope would be yes, they will splurge for a season and be willing to go $15-$20 million over the tax line, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

For this exercise, assume that ownership believes we are a true contender and will spend, I share your concerns.

I'm still having a problem finding targets that make us better. As I write this, maybe that's the problem. Ownership says it doesn't make us better, why spend the money.

I think Luke Kennard could be available from the Clippers, as one example.  They're over the tax by about $7 million as is with 10 players on their roster, and three key free agents in Covington, Batum, and Hartenstein.  I think he'd be an upgrade to Pritchard in the rotation, but he's not so good as to require multiple picks to acquire.

Thanks, this is exactly what I'm looking for. The Clippers might even prefer Pritchard + pick.
So, to your point. Would the Celtics do Pritchard + 1st for Kennard + Salary?

I don’t think the C’s would go for Pritchard and a 1st.  I could see Nesmith and a 1st or Pritchard and maybe a 2nd.  The salary difference is big on both sides and thus a pick seems unlikely if the Clippers are getting a rotation player with two years left on a rookie deal.

Thanks again. This is my dilemma. I don't know that the Clippers would accept either deal. As a celts fan I would probably accept either, but I'm hesitant to send out a first round pick. I think think the Clippers might accept Pritchard + 1st, but I lean towards it not being worth it. End result, no deal, TPE expires.

Celts2021, please keep them coming. This is exactly my point.

I doubt Ime would want Kenard; prerequisite for the player to be able to defend.

[sgrogan]

I think so, yes.  I think the more crucial question is if ownership would be willing to absorb that amount of salary while only sending out someone like Nesmith (ie adding $14 million to the payroll) in addition to a pick.  My hope would be yes, they will splurge for a season and be willing to go $15-$20 million over the tax line, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

For this exercise, assume that ownership believes we are a true contender and will spend, I share your concerns.

I'm still having a problem finding targets that make us better. As I write this, maybe that's the problem. Ownership says it doesn't make us better, why spend the money.

I think Luke Kennard could be available from the Clippers, as one example.  They're over the tax by about $7 million as is with 10 players on their roster, and three key free agents in Covington, Batum, and Hartenstein.  I think he'd be an upgrade to Pritchard in the rotation, but he's not so good as to require multiple picks to acquire.

Thanks, this is exactly what I'm looking for. The Clippers might even prefer Pritchard + pick.
So, to your point. Would the Celtics do Pritchard + 1st for Kennard + Salary?

I don’t think the C’s would go for Pritchard and a 1st.  I could see Nesmith and a 1st or Pritchard and maybe a 2nd.  The salary difference is big on both sides and thus a pick seems unlikely if the Clippers are getting a rotation player with two years left on a rookie deal.

Thanks again. This is my dilemma. I don't know that the Clippers would accept either deal. As a celts fan I would probably accept either, but I'm hesitant to send out a first round pick. I think think the Clippers might accept Pritchard + 1st, but I lean towards it not being worth it. End result, no deal, TPE expires.

Celts2021, please keep them coming. This is exactly my point.

How about Daniel Theis and a 1st for Aaron Gordon?  The Nuggets have some significant tax issues as well, and Gordon fits into the TPE as long as the trade is completed prior to his extension kicking in on July 1st.

I've actually thought of this one.
Gordon isn't my favorite, but...
This leaves us weak a C. If we could couple this with a back-up C,  I'm interested.
I'm not so enthused about Grant playing smallball again.

[Celtics2021]

I think so, yes.  I think the more crucial question is if ownership would be willing to absorb that amount of salary while only sending out someone like Nesmith (ie adding $14 million to the payroll) in addition to a pick.  My hope would be yes, they will splurge for a season and be willing to go $15-$20 million over the tax line, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

For this exercise, assume that ownership believes we are a true contender and will spend, I share your concerns.

I'm still having a problem finding targets that make us better. As I write this, maybe that's the problem. Ownership says it doesn't make us better, why spend the money.

I think Luke Kennard could be available from the Clippers, as one example.  They're over the tax by about $7 million as is with 10 players on their roster, and three key free agents in Covington, Batum, and Hartenstein.  I think he'd be an upgrade to Pritchard in the rotation, but he's not so good as to require multiple picks to acquire.

Thanks, this is exactly what I'm looking for. The Clippers might even prefer Pritchard + pick.
So, to your point. Would the Celtics do Pritchard + 1st for Kennard + Salary?

I don’t think the C’s would go for Pritchard and a 1st.  I could see Nesmith and a 1st or Pritchard and maybe a 2nd.  The salary difference is big on both sides and thus a pick seems unlikely if the Clippers are getting a rotation player with two years left on a rookie deal.

Thanks again. This is my dilemma. I don't know that the Clippers would accept either deal. As a celts fan I would probably accept either, but I'm hesitant to send out a first round pick. I think think the Clippers might accept Pritchard + 1st, but I lean towards it not being worth it. End result, no deal, TPE expires.

Celts2021, please keep them coming. This is exactly my point.

I doubt Ime would want Kenard; prerequisite for the player to be able to defend.

The data is a little noisy, but for the majority of his career Kennard's defensive on/off stats have been above average.  Not saying he's a plus defender, but he probably doesn't tank a defense either.  Given his size alone he's less of a liability at that end of the court than Pritchard.  He'd get on the court.

[Celtics2021]

I think so, yes.  I think the more crucial question is if ownership would be willing to absorb that amount of salary while only sending out someone like Nesmith (ie adding $14 million to the payroll) in addition to a pick.  My hope would be yes, they will splurge for a season and be willing to go $15-$20 million over the tax line, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

For this exercise, assume that ownership believes we are a true contender and will spend, I share your concerns.

I'm still having a problem finding targets that make us better. As I write this, maybe that's the problem. Ownership says it doesn't make us better, why spend the money.

I think Luke Kennard could be available from the Clippers, as one example.  They're over the tax by about $7 million as is with 10 players on their roster, and three key free agents in Covington, Batum, and Hartenstein.  I think he'd be an upgrade to Pritchard in the rotation, but he's not so good as to require multiple picks to acquire.

Thanks, this is exactly what I'm looking for. The Clippers might even prefer Pritchard + pick.
So, to your point. Would the Celtics do Pritchard + 1st for Kennard + Salary?

I don’t think the C’s would go for Pritchard and a 1st.  I could see Nesmith and a 1st or Pritchard and maybe a 2nd.  The salary difference is big on both sides and thus a pick seems unlikely if the Clippers are getting a rotation player with two years left on a rookie deal.

Thanks again. This is my dilemma. I don't know that the Clippers would accept either deal. As a celts fan I would probably accept either, but I'm hesitant to send out a first round pick. I think think the Clippers might accept Pritchard + 1st, but I lean towards it not being worth it. End result, no deal, TPE expires.

Celts2021, please keep them coming. This is exactly my point.

How about Daniel Theis and a 1st for Aaron Gordon?  The Nuggets have some significant tax issues as well, and Gordon fits into the TPE as long as the trade is completed prior to his extension kicking in on July 1st.

I've actually thought of this one.
Gordon isn't my favorite, but...
This leaves us weak a C. If we could couple this with a back-up C,  I'm interested.
I'm not so enthused about Grant playing smallball again.

Gordon would presumably play the bulk of his minutes at the four, meaning Horford and Rob would play most of the 5, as they did even after Theis' arrival until he cracked the rotation a month in.  I can see the concern would be what to do if Horford or Rob are out for a game,  but I think they'd get by.  It might even push Horford to the bench, for a starting lineup of Smart, Brown, Tatum, Gordon, TimeLord.

Gordon also isn't my favorite, but I think he'd fit in well with how the C's are currently playing.

[sgrogan]

I think so, yes.  I think the more crucial question is if ownership would be willing to absorb that amount of salary while only sending out someone like Nesmith (ie adding $14 million to the payroll) in addition to a pick.  My hope would be yes, they will splurge for a season and be willing to go $15-$20 million over the tax line, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

For this exercise, assume that ownership believes we are a true contender and will spend, I share your concerns.

I'm still having a problem finding targets that make us better. As I write this, maybe that's the problem. Ownership says it doesn't make us better, why spend the money.

I think Luke Kennard could be available from the Clippers, as one example.  They're over the tax by about $7 million as is with 10 players on their roster, and three key free agents in Covington, Batum, and Hartenstein.  I think he'd be an upgrade to Pritchard in the rotation, but he's not so good as to require multiple picks to acquire.

Thanks, this is exactly what I'm looking for. The Clippers might even prefer Pritchard + pick.
So, to your point. Would the Celtics do Pritchard + 1st for Kennard + Salary?

I don’t think the C’s would go for Pritchard and a 1st.  I could see Nesmith and a 1st or Pritchard and maybe a 2nd.  The salary difference is big on both sides and thus a pick seems unlikely if the Clippers are getting a rotation player with two years left on a rookie deal.

Thanks again. This is my dilemma. I don't know that the Clippers would accept either deal. As a celts fan I would probably accept either, but I'm hesitant to send out a first round pick. I think think the Clippers might accept Pritchard + 1st, but I lean towards it not being worth it. End result, no deal, TPE expires.

Celts2021, please keep them coming. This is exactly my point.

How about Daniel Theis and a 1st for Aaron Gordon?  The Nuggets have some significant tax issues as well, and Gordon fits into the TPE as long as the trade is completed prior to his extension kicking in on July 1st.

I've actually thought of this one.
Gordon isn't my favorite, but...
This leaves us weak a C. If we could couple this with a back-up C,  I'm interested.
I'm not so enthused about Grant playing smallball again.

Gordon would presumably play the bulk of his minutes at the four, meaning Horford and Rob would play most of the 5, as they did even after Theis' arrival until he cracked the rotation a month in.  I can see the concern would be what to do if Horford or Rob are out for a game,  but I think they'd get by.  It might even push Horford to the bench, for a starting lineup of Smart, Brown, Tatum, Gordon, TimeLord.

Gordon also isn't my favorite, but I think he'd fit in well with how the C's are currently playing.

Agreed, I'm more worried about an extended absence. Rob played 61 and AL 69 games. Some sort of serviceable back up C, even using the TP-MLE changes my opinion. If you find a ring chasing vet-min guy I'll be even more interested.