Report: Celtics still looking to utilize trade exception?

[hpantazo]

How about using the TPE to get Saric? Suns have been considering moving him to cut salary for a while, and he could fit into the Theis role very nicely. He should be ready to go now after his acl recovery. It's been over a year since his surgery.

Saric isn't worth $80 million for one year. Sorry.

It’s not our money it’s ownership’s, and if Saric helps us win banner 18 it’s totally worth paying the luxury tax.

[Goldstar88]

How about using the TPE to get Saric? Suns have been considering moving him to cut salary for a while, and he could fit into the Theis role very nicely. He should be ready to go now after his acl recovery. It's been over a year since his surgery.

Saric isn't worth $80 million for one year. Sorry.

Is any bench player worth $80M for one year? Celtics biggest need is probably a backup for Rob, assuming that Brogdon gets minutes at SF. Al and Kornet can’t be the only backups at Center.

[Neurotic Guy]

How about using the TPE to get Saric? Suns have been considering moving him to cut salary for a while, and he could fit into the Theis role very nicely. He should be ready to go now after his acl recovery. It's been over a year since his surgery.

Saric isn't worth $80 million for one year. Sorry.

Is any bench player worth $80M for one year? Celtics biggest need is probably a backup for Rob, assuming that Brogdon gets minutes at SF. Al and Kornet can’t be the only backups at Center.

I wouldn’t blame ownership for drawing a line on obtaining a bench player at an actual cost of 80M.  If there was any level of certainty that a particular 8th or 9th guy in the rotation was the guy who’d win them the title then of course it would be worth it, but no such certainty exists.  In fact it’s more likely that the additional player provides negligible value - especially on a team that’s 10 deep already.   In other words, equivalent value already exists and you’re paying more than twice what JT is making for bench insurance. I wouldn’t get riled about ownership cheapness in this situation.

[Celtics2021]

How about using the TPE to get Saric? Suns have been considering moving him to cut salary for a while, and he could fit into the Theis role very nicely. He should be ready to go now after his acl recovery. It's been over a year since his surgery.

Saric isn't worth $80 million for one year. Sorry.

Is any bench player worth $80M for one year? Celtics biggest need is probably a backup for Rob, assuming that Brogdon gets minutes at SF. Al and Kornet can’t be the only backups at Center.

They absolutely can be the only backups at center to start the year, although there will be someone else brought in on a minimum as well.  Al plays the bulk of his minutes at center as is, so when Rob is out he’d shift there full-time while Grant and Gallo get extra minutes at the 4.  And you can get by with a small 5 in either Grant or Gallo for a chunk of the game in the regular season, because it does create advantages in spacing on offense.

This board’s panic about a 3rd string center is silly.  If we don’t get one now, we’ll get one in January or February for the stretch run.  If Rob or Al go down for a long stretch, they might make a move earlier, but let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

[nyceltsfan]

I have a feeling someone else posted this already, but if we want a backup big, why not Derrick Favors?  There is no reason for OKC to pay him $10mm, but he can be useful on our team to give our guys some rest and to play when guys are out.  He is certainly an NBA player and should slide in nicely above Kornet on the depth chart.

(I am not sure why we signed Kornet for 2 years.  Brad and Ime must see some talent that I, as an average fan, cannot see.)

[Vermont Green]

I have a feeling someone else posted this already, but if we want a backup big, why not Derrick Favors?  There is no reason for OKC to pay him $10mm, but he can be useful on our team to give our guys some rest and to play when guys are out.  He is certainly an NBA player and should slide in nicely above Kornet on the depth chart.

(I am not sure why we signed Kornet for 2 years.  Brad and Ime must see some talent that I, as an average fan, cannot see.)

I wonder if we could get Favors and a couple of first round pick for a second round pick.  Just straight up though, $10M is too much to take on.  I know the owners are billionaires and all that but absorbing that contract just makes no sense.  He may get bought out.  If that happens, great, bring him in on a min contract.

[Roy H.]

How about using the TPE to get Saric? Suns have been considering moving him to cut salary for a while, and he could fit into the Theis role very nicely. He should be ready to go now after his acl recovery. It's been over a year since his surgery.

Saric isn't worth $80 million for one year. Sorry.

Is any bench player worth $80M for one year? Celtics biggest need is probably a backup for Rob, assuming that Brogdon gets minutes at SF. Al and Kornet can’t be the only backups at Center.

They absolutely can be the only backups at center to start the year, although there will be someone else brought in on a minimum as well.  Al plays the bulk of his minutes at center as is, so when Rob is out he’d shift there full-time while Grant and Gallo get extra minutes at the 4.  And you can get by with a small 5 in either Grant or Gallo for a chunk of the game in the regular season, because it does create advantages in spacing on offense.

This board’s panic about a 3rd string center is silly.  If we don’t get one now, we’ll get one in January or February for the stretch run.  If Rob or Al go down for a long stretch, they might make a move earlier, but let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

I get confused by the "third string center" argument.  Things get dicey when your backup center is really your starting power forward.  The team is already planning on sitting Horford on back to backs and will cut his minutes.  Having him as the primary backup center seems...  misguided?

And, having an actual backup center is important because Timelord is an injury waiting to happen.  At the very least, he needs load management.  The team can probably safely assume that he's going to miss 15 regular season games or so.

So, who does this team rely upon at center when Timelord is out?  Sure, we can go small, with Grant / Gallo / Tatum at PF while Horford slides over to center.  But, it's not ideal.  It puts more wear and tear on Horford.  Plus, there will undoubtedly be games where both Horford and Timelord are out.  What's our lineup then?  Kornet / Grant?  Gallo / Tatum? 

It's important to have a competent center on this team.  Sure, it's possible to wait until January or February, but in doing so the team is probably costing itself wins.  Celtics fans should realize how important a competent backup is, after Timelord had to sit out against the Nets.  Without Theis stepping up, we could have lost that series.

That said, there's no real need to talk about the Olynyks, Sarics and Favors of the league.  We don't need an $10 million backup (although that would be nice).  Rather, we just need to pick one of the competent backup bigs out there.  Cousins, Howard, Whiteside, and Zeller would all fill a need better than Kornet, who Brad seemingly wasted a roster spot on (while paying him more than necessary, which is an odd decision for a team in the luxury tax).

[slamtheking]

How about using the TPE to get Saric? Suns have been considering moving him to cut salary for a while, and he could fit into the Theis role very nicely. He should be ready to go now after his acl recovery. It's been over a year since his surgery.

Saric isn't worth $80 million for one year. Sorry.

Is any bench player worth $80M for one year? Celtics biggest need is probably a backup for Rob, assuming that Brogdon gets minutes at SF. Al and Kornet can’t be the only backups at Center.

They absolutely can be the only backups at center to start the year, although there will be someone else brought in on a minimum as well.  Al plays the bulk of his minutes at center as is, so when Rob is out he’d shift there full-time while Grant and Gallo get extra minutes at the 4.  And you can get by with a small 5 in either Grant or Gallo for a chunk of the game in the regular season, because it does create advantages in spacing on offense.

This board’s panic about a 3rd string center is silly.  If we don’t get one now, we’ll get one in January or February for the stretch run.  If Rob or Al go down for a long stretch, they might make a move earlier, but let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

I get confused by the "third string center" argument.  Things get dicey when your backup center is really your starting power forward.  The team is already planning on sitting Horford on back to backs and will cut his minutes.  Having him as the primary backup center seems...  misguided?

And, having an actual backup center is important because Timelord is an injury waiting to happen.  At the very least, he needs load management.  The team can probably safely assume that he's going to miss 15 regular season games or so.

So, who does this team rely upon at center when Timelord is out?  Sure, we can go small, with Grant / Gallo / Tatum at PF while Horford slides over to center.  But, it's not ideal.  It puts more wear and tear on Horford.  Plus, there will undoubtedly be games where both Horford and Timelord are out.  What's our lineup then?  Kornet / Grant?  Gallo / Tatum? 

It's important to have a competent center on this team.  Sure, it's possible to wait until January or February, but in doing so the team is probably costing itself wins.  Celtics fans should realize how important a competent backup is, after Timelord had to sit out against the Nets.  Without Theis stepping up, we could have lost that series.

That said, there's no real need to talk about the Olynyks, Sarics and Favors of the league.  We don't need an $10 million backup (although that would be nice).  Rather, we just need to pick one of the competent backup bigs out there.  Cousins, Howard, Whiteside, and Zeller would all fill a need better than Kornet, who Brad seemingly wasted a roster spot on (while paying him more than necessary, which is an odd decision for a team in the luxury tax).

In light of the Brogdon deal, I suspect he's keeping Kornet as another piece to use in a similar deal next offseason if the opportunity presents itself.

that said, we definitely need someone competent to eat up minutes for Horford and TL without being completely awful on the floor.  Zeller seems like a decent option.  If OKC buys out Favors (doubtful) then I think he could be a good option.  maybe a deal for Favors using the TPE and exchanging Kornet for him

[Goldstar88]

How about using the TPE to get Saric? Suns have been considering moving him to cut salary for a while, and he could fit into the Theis role very nicely. He should be ready to go now after his acl recovery. It's been over a year since his surgery.

Saric isn't worth $80 million for one year. Sorry.

Is any bench player worth $80M for one year? Celtics biggest need is probably a backup for Rob, assuming that Brogdon gets minutes at SF. Al and Kornet can’t be the only backups at Center.

They absolutely can be the only backups at center to start the year, although there will be someone else brought in on a minimum as well.  Al plays the bulk of his minutes at center as is, so when Rob is out he’d shift there full-time while Grant and Gallo get extra minutes at the 4.  And you can get by with a small 5 in either Grant or Gallo for a chunk of the game in the regular season, because it does create advantages in spacing on offense.

This board’s panic about a 3rd string center is silly.  If we don’t get one now, we’ll get one in January or February for the stretch run.  If Rob or Al go down for a long stretch, they might make a move earlier, but let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

You just said that they absolutely can be the only backup center and then stated that someone will be brought in at the minimum as well. So in that case they wouldn’t be the only Centers on the team. The reason you need a back C that can actually play is due to Rob missing time every year. Al can’t play the amount of minutes that he did last year, he was gassed in the later rounds of the playoffs. Grant is too small to play center and although Gallo has the height/weight, his athleticism and movement is not what it used to be. He’s not very good at guarding PF’s never mind Centers.

[mobilija]

How about using the TPE to get Saric? Suns have been considering moving him to cut salary for a while, and he could fit into the Theis role very nicely. He should be ready to go now after his acl recovery. It's been over a year since his surgery.

Saric and Gallo redundant

[Celtics2021]

How about using the TPE to get Saric? Suns have been considering moving him to cut salary for a while, and he could fit into the Theis role very nicely. He should be ready to go now after his acl recovery. It's been over a year since his surgery.

Saric isn't worth $80 million for one year. Sorry.

Is any bench player worth $80M for one year? Celtics biggest need is probably a backup for Rob, assuming that Brogdon gets minutes at SF. Al and Kornet can’t be the only backups at Center.

They absolutely can be the only backups at center to start the year, although there will be someone else brought in on a minimum as well.  Al plays the bulk of his minutes at center as is, so when Rob is out he’d shift there full-time while Grant and Gallo get extra minutes at the 4.  And you can get by with a small 5 in either Grant or Gallo for a chunk of the game in the regular season, because it does create advantages in spacing on offense.

This board’s panic about a 3rd string center is silly.  If we don’t get one now, we’ll get one in January or February for the stretch run.  If Rob or Al go down for a long stretch, they might make a move earlier, but let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

You just said that they absolutely can be the only backup center and then stated that someone will be brought in at the minimum as well. So in that case they wouldn’t be the only Centers on the team. The reason you need a back C that can actually play is due to Rob missing time every year. Al can’t play the amount of minutes that he did last year, he was gassed in the later rounds of the playoffs. Grant is too small to play center and although Gallo has the height/weight, his athleticism and movement is not what it used to be. He’s not very good at guarding PF’s never mind Centers.

When I said someone would be brought in, I meant someone from the summer league, who’s competing with Kornet for break-glass playing time, and not someone who’s any kind of proven commodity.  Or a guy who’s cut because of a roster crunch.

[Kuberski33]

If Boston truly wants to compete for championships then there is no reason to let a TPE expire just because of cost.  Now sure, if you don't find a player that makes sense that is one thing, but there are reportedly guys out there available that would fit into the TPE that would, if nothing else, provide some quality depth and insurance.  There is no reason Boston shouldn't be making moves.

Agreed!
What are the names you have heard reportedly available that are realistic and at what cost (ie draft pics, etc)?

Duncan Robinson is certainly available and the C's might get an asset to take the contract.  He'd be a nice shooter off the bench. 

I'd see what Detroit had planned for Noel.  I'd ask the Kings about Holmes and/or Len. 

And of course the big wild card is the Clippers and all those wings.

I'd ask Detroit about Olynyk.

It would not at all shock me if Olynyk is in a Celtics uniform on opening night. I can see Brad getting involved in a multi team deal where White and maybe Pritchard leave and KO winds up back here. He'd be a solid option as an 8th or 9th man playing the 5. Maybe not as a rebounder but he can play team defense, he'll compete every night and can certainly step out and provide another 3 pt threat.

White and Pritchard for KO? That would be a disaster of a trade. Stevens would have to be out of his mind to do that.

No, not straight up but as part of a 3 or 4 way deal that brings Olynyk and something else back.  KO is only making $12 mil a year - White, who's skill set is pretty much replicated with Smart & Brogdon is making 17 mill. And Pritchard is likely a spare part. They need someone who can guard 3's as well.

[Surferdad]

How about using the TPE to get Saric? Suns have been considering moving him to cut salary for a while, and he could fit into the Theis role very nicely. He should be ready to go now after his acl recovery. It's been over a year since his surgery.

Saric isn't worth $80 million for one year. Sorry.

Is any bench player worth $80M for one year? Celtics biggest need is probably a backup for Rob, assuming that Brogdon gets minutes at SF. Al and Kornet can’t be the only backups at Center.

I'm glad you get my point: The $17M TPE is not likely to be used, certainly not at that number.

[Goldstar88]

How about using the TPE to get Saric? Suns have been considering moving him to cut salary for a while, and he could fit into the Theis role very nicely. He should be ready to go now after his acl recovery. It's been over a year since his surgery.

Saric isn't worth $80 million for one year. Sorry.

Is any bench player worth $80M for one year? Celtics biggest need is probably a backup for Rob, assuming that Brogdon gets minutes at SF. Al and Kornet can’t be the only backups at Center.

They absolutely can be the only backups at center to start the year, although there will be someone else brought in on a minimum as well.  Al plays the bulk of his minutes at center as is, so when Rob is out he’d shift there full-time while Grant and Gallo get extra minutes at the 4.  And you can get by with a small 5 in either Grant or Gallo for a chunk of the game in the regular season, because it does create advantages in spacing on offense.

This board’s panic about a 3rd string center is silly.  If we don’t get one now, we’ll get one in January or February for the stretch run.  If Rob or Al go down for a long stretch, they might make a move earlier, but let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

You just said that they absolutely can be the only backup center and then stated that someone will be brought in at the minimum as well. So in that case they wouldn’t be the only Centers on the team. The reason you need a back C that can actually play is due to Rob missing time every year. Al can’t play the amount of minutes that he did last year, he was gassed in the later rounds of the playoffs. Grant is too small to play center and although Gallo has the height/weight, his athleticism and movement is not what it used to be. He’s not very good at guarding PF’s never mind Centers.

When I said someone would be brought in, I meant someone from the summer league, who’s competing with Kornet for break-glass playing time, and not someone who’s any kind of proven commodity.  Or a guy who’s cut because of a roster crunch.

At this point, we have to assume that Rob is going to miss some games as he has done so every year he’s been in the NBA. Al really needs to be load managed at this point so that he isn’t gassed in the playoffs again. Kornet and some other G-Leaguer is terrible depth at that position.

[Sketch5]

If Boston truly wants to compete for championships then there is no reason to let a TPE expire just because of cost.  Now sure, if you don't find a player that makes sense that is one thing, but there are reportedly guys out there available that would fit into the TPE that would, if nothing else, provide some quality depth and insurance.  There is no reason Boston shouldn't be making moves.

Agreed!
What are the names you have heard reportedly available that are realistic and at what cost (ie draft pics, etc)?

Duncan Robinson is certainly available and the C's might get an asset to take the contract.  He'd be a nice shooter off the bench. 

I'd see what Detroit had planned for Noel.  I'd ask the Kings about Holmes and/or Len. 

And of course the big wild card is the Clippers and all those wings.

I'd ask Detroit about Olynyk.

It would not at all shock me if Olynyk is in a Celtics uniform on opening night. I can see Brad getting involved in a multi team deal where White and maybe Pritchard leave and KO winds up back here. He'd be a solid option as an 8th or 9th man playing the 5. Maybe not as a rebounder but he can play team defense, he'll compete every night and can certainly step out and provide another 3 pt threat.

White and Pritchard for KO? That would be a disaster of a trade. Stevens would have to be out of his mind to do that.

No, not straight up but as part of a 3 or 4 way deal that brings Olynyk and something else back.  KO is only making $12 mil a year - White, who's skill set is pretty much replicated with Smart & Brogdon is making 17 mill. And Pritchard is likely a spare part. They need someone who can guard 3's as well.

Both Smart and Bronson will miss time thus season. Maybe even at the same time. JD is at least a year out from sniffing legit nba minutes unless it all clicks this summer. That leaves them very thin with ball handling guards.

You got two spots left, two tpes. Vet min. You grab who you can now then try to make an other move at the deadline. You don't trade away depth. Only one of White or Pritchard can be moved with an other guard coming back not both.