Celtics Trade Deadline

[Roy H.]

I'll propose a deal:

BOS trades:  Gallinari, Pritchard, Jackson, better of HOU / POR #2
ORL trades:  Bamba

It is basically salary neutral for this year.

I like!  The Houston pick could be #32 which is essentially a 1st.

We don't have a first this year, so we can't give up a first in the 2024 draft, therefore, Brad is going to have to get creative.  I like this, definitely provides big depth but we'll ahve to make sure to scour the buyouts for wing depth.  I think with JB and JT nursing injuries, that's going to get important down the road deep into the playoffs.

The Houston pick only comes to us at 33 or worse, otherwise it’s Dallas or Miami.  But the Portland pick is aiming to be late 30s on its own.

I think PP has late first round (high level role/bench player on any team without the Cs depth at guard).  I think Bamba is a less valuable asset than Hachimura so the idea of trading a 1st plus a high 2nd seems to be an over pay. Gallinari plus Jackson worked for salary purposes in the trade machine I tried, but I have no idea if their algorithm is correct.

frankly given the contract, Gallinari might be more valuable than Bamba if he can come back this year.  Given the health, I'd probably do Bamba for Gallinari and Jackson, but no draft picks or other players.  I also might do Bamba, Hampton for Gallinari, Pritchard, and Jackson, but I think Pritchard makes more sense as a shooter off the bench than whatever Hampton's role might be.

What's wrong with Bamba's contract?  $10 million for a low-end starting-caliber center / good backup seems fair, and his deal is non-guaranteed next season.  And let's be real:  Gallo isn't coming back this year, and if he does, he's likely going to be slow, rusty and timid.

A floor-spacing defensive center is exactly what this team needs.  While I'd love to keep Pritchard -- both because he's solid depth and because he's got a tradeable contract next year -- having somebody who can spell both Timelord and Horford is important.

There is nothing wrong with Bamba's contract other than it is 3.5 million more than Gallinari's this year.  So he costs more.  Gallinari is better than Bamba at almost everything.  I get he is hurt, which is why I'd make the move, but no way I'd add Pritchard to it.  Way too much to give up for a guy that might not even play ahead of Kornet.

Bamba is significantly better than both Gallo (who literally adds zero) and Kornet.  And, I'd always trade a 4th PG for a backup center.

Orlando doesn't even view Bamba as a backup.  he hasn't played in 3 of the last 4 games.  He's buried and is pretty much a dump at this point.  If the team waives him by June 29th, which I suspect they would, he has no guarantees and can be waived.  If he's kept on the roster past that date he carries a 10m salary for next year which could be a good salary to have for potential moves.  Now he provides help for Rob and Al but won't play much.  I would say wing SF/PF would be more valuable to take minutes off of JT.

The team needs both a wing and a center.  I think that there are more available centers than wings right now, so that might be easier to trade for.

But, I don't think Orlando is waiving Bamba under any circumstances other than massive injury.  He's a good, young player on a reasonable contract.  It's the same reason that the Celtics picked up Pritchard's 2024 option, despite having Smart, Brogdon and White.  Teams don't generally waive good young players, even if they're redundant.

[Goldstar88]

I'll propose a deal:

BOS trades:  Gallinari, Pritchard, Jackson, better of HOU / POR #2
ORL trades:  Bamba

It is basically salary neutral for this year.

I like!  The Houston pick could be #32 which is essentially a 1st.

We don't have a first this year, so we can't give up a first in the 2024 draft, therefore, Brad is going to have to get creative.  I like this, definitely provides big depth but we'll ahve to make sure to scour the buyouts for wing depth.  I think with JB and JT nursing injuries, that's going to get important down the road deep into the playoffs.

The Houston pick only comes to us at 33 or worse, otherwise it’s Dallas or Miami.  But the Portland pick is aiming to be late 30s on its own.

I think PP has late first round (high level role/bench player on any team without the Cs depth at guard).  I think Bamba is a less valuable asset than Hachimura so the idea of trading a 1st plus a high 2nd seems to be an over pay. Gallinari plus Jackson worked for salary purposes in the trade machine I tried, but I have no idea if their algorithm is correct.

frankly given the contract, Gallinari might be more valuable than Bamba if he can come back this year.  Given the health, I'd probably do Bamba for Gallinari and Jackson, but no draft picks or other players.  I also might do Bamba, Hampton for Gallinari, Pritchard, and Jackson, but I think Pritchard makes more sense as a shooter off the bench than whatever Hampton's role might be.

What's wrong with Bamba's contract?  $10 million for a low-end starting-caliber center / good backup seems fair, and his deal is non-guaranteed next season.  And let's be real:  Gallo isn't coming back this year, and if he does, he's likely going to be slow, rusty and timid.

A floor-spacing defensive center is exactly what this team needs.  While I'd love to keep Pritchard -- both because he's solid depth and because he's got a tradeable contract next year -- having somebody who can spell both Timelord and Horford is important.

There is nothing wrong with Bamba's contract other than it is 3.5 million more than Gallinari's this year.  So he costs more.  Gallinari is better than Bamba at almost everything.  I get he is hurt, which is why I'd make the move, but no way I'd add Pritchard to it.  Way too much to give up for a guy that might not even play ahead of Kornet.

Gallinari is not a better defender than Bamba. Or rebounder or shot blocker. These are things that the team could really use. Orlando has a log jam at PF and Center, so Mo’s not getting much playing time, however, let’s not act like he’s not an NBA player. Bamba has career averages of 8pts/6 rebs and over a block per game. He’s also only 24 years old vs 34 and injured.

[td450]

I'll propose a deal:

BOS trades:  Gallinari, Pritchard, Jackson, better of HOU / POR #2
ORL trades:  Bamba

It is basically salary neutral for this year.

I like!  The Houston pick could be #32 which is essentially a 1st.

We don't have a first this year, so we can't give up a first in the 2024 draft, therefore, Brad is going to have to get creative.  I like this, definitely provides big depth but we'll ahve to make sure to scour the buyouts for wing depth.  I think with JB and JT nursing injuries, that's going to get important down the road deep into the playoffs.

The Houston pick only comes to us at 33 or worse, otherwise it’s Dallas or Miami.  But the Portland pick is aiming to be late 30s on its own.

I think PP has late first round (high level role/bench player on any team without the Cs depth at guard).  I think Bamba is a less valuable asset than Hachimura so the idea of trading a 1st plus a high 2nd seems to be an over pay. Gallinari plus Jackson worked for salary purposes in the trade machine I tried, but I have no idea if their algorithm is correct.

frankly given the contract, Gallinari might be more valuable than Bamba if he can come back this year.  Given the health, I'd probably do Bamba for Gallinari and Jackson, but no draft picks or other players.  I also might do Bamba, Hampton for Gallinari, Pritchard, and Jackson, but I think Pritchard makes more sense as a shooter off the bench than whatever Hampton's role might be.

What's wrong with Bamba's contract?  $10 million for a low-end starting-caliber center / good backup seems fair, and his deal is non-guaranteed next season.  And let's be real:  Gallo isn't coming back this year, and if he does, he's likely going to be slow, rusty and timid.

A floor-spacing defensive center is exactly what this team needs.  While I'd love to keep Pritchard -- both because he's solid depth and because he's got a tradeable contract next year -- having somebody who can spell both Timelord and Horford is important.

There is nothing wrong with Bamba's contract other than it is 3.5 million more than Gallinari's this year.  So he costs more.  Gallinari is better than Bamba at almost everything.  I get he is hurt, which is why I'd make the move, but no way I'd add Pritchard to it.  Way too much to give up for a guy that might not even play ahead of Kornet.

Bamba is significantly better than both Gallo (who literally adds zero) and Kornet.  And, I'd always trade a 4th PG for a backup center.

Orlando doesn't even view Bamba as a backup.  he hasn't played in 3 of the last 4 games.  He's buried and is pretty much a dump at this point.  If the team waives him by June 29th, which I suspect they would, he has no guarantees and can be waived.  If he's kept on the roster past that date he carries a 10m salary for next year which could be a good salary to have for potential moves.  Now he provides help for Rob and Al but won't play much.  I would say wing SF/PF would be more valuable to take minutes off of JT.

The team needs both a wing and a center.  I think that there are more available centers than wings right now, so that might be easier to trade for.

But, I don't think Orlando is waiving Bamba under any circumstances other than massive injury.  He's a good, young player on a reasonable contract.  It's the same reason that the Celtics picked up Pritchard's 2024 option, despite having Smart, Brogdon and White.  Teams don't generally waive good young players, even if they're redundant.

Comment: because of Tatum, Brown and even Grant Williams, we can solve for wing minutes without actually getting a wing. A power forward or even a center who can play quality minutes can nudge more of Tatum's minutes down to wing. If a real two way wing becomes available, fine, but otherwise, I'd prefer a real power forward.

Question: Can anyone give an explanation as to how Mo Wagner seems to be ahead of Bamba in Orlando's rotation? Bamba seems to have near unlimited potential but he's going nowhere. Is he just not competitive enough?

[Celtics2021]

I'll propose a deal:

BOS trades:  Gallinari, Pritchard, Jackson, better of HOU / POR #2
ORL trades:  Bamba

It is basically salary neutral for this year.

I like!  The Houston pick could be #32 which is essentially a 1st.

We don't have a first this year, so we can't give up a first in the 2024 draft, therefore, Brad is going to have to get creative.  I like this, definitely provides big depth but we'll ahve to make sure to scour the buyouts for wing depth.  I think with JB and JT nursing injuries, that's going to get important down the road deep into the playoffs.

The Houston pick only comes to us at 33 or worse, otherwise it’s Dallas or Miami.  But the Portland pick is aiming to be late 30s on its own.

I think PP has late first round (high level role/bench player on any team without the Cs depth at guard).  I think Bamba is a less valuable asset than Hachimura so the idea of trading a 1st plus a high 2nd seems to be an over pay. Gallinari plus Jackson worked for salary purposes in the trade machine I tried, but I have no idea if their algorithm is correct.

frankly given the contract, Gallinari might be more valuable than Bamba if he can come back this year.  Given the health, I'd probably do Bamba for Gallinari and Jackson, but no draft picks or other players.  I also might do Bamba, Hampton for Gallinari, Pritchard, and Jackson, but I think Pritchard makes more sense as a shooter off the bench than whatever Hampton's role might be.

What's wrong with Bamba's contract?  $10 million for a low-end starting-caliber center / good backup seems fair, and his deal is non-guaranteed next season.  And let's be real:  Gallo isn't coming back this year, and if he does, he's likely going to be slow, rusty and timid.

A floor-spacing defensive center is exactly what this team needs.  While I'd love to keep Pritchard -- both because he's solid depth and because he's got a tradeable contract next year -- having somebody who can spell both Timelord and Horford is important.

There is nothing wrong with Bamba's contract other than it is 3.5 million more than Gallinari's this year.  So he costs more.  Gallinari is better than Bamba at almost everything.  I get he is hurt, which is why I'd make the move, but no way I'd add Pritchard to it.  Way too much to give up for a guy that might not even play ahead of Kornet.

Bamba is significantly better than both Gallo (who literally adds zero) and Kornet.  And, I'd always trade a 4th PG for a backup center.

Orlando doesn't even view Bamba as a backup.  he hasn't played in 3 of the last 4 games.  He's buried and is pretty much a dump at this point.  If the team waives him by June 29th, which I suspect they would, he has no guarantees and can be waived.  If he's kept on the roster past that date he carries a 10m salary for next year which could be a good salary to have for potential moves.  Now he provides help for Rob and Al but won't play much.  I would say wing SF/PF would be more valuable to take minutes off of JT.

The team needs both a wing and a center.  I think that there are more available centers than wings right now, so that might be easier to trade for.

But, I don't think Orlando is waiving Bamba under any circumstances other than massive injury.  He's a good, young player on a reasonable contract.  It's the same reason that the Celtics picked up Pritchard's 2024 option, despite having Smart, Brogdon and White.  Teams don't generally waive good young players, even if they're redundant.

Comment: because of Tatum, Brown and even Grant Williams, we can solve for wing minutes without actually getting a wing. A power forward or even a center who can play quality minutes can nudge more of Tatum's minutes down to wing. If a real two way wing becomes available, fine, but otherwise, I'd prefer a real power forward.

Question: Can anyone give an explanation as to how Mo Wagner seems to be ahead of Bamba in Orlando's rotation? Bamba seems to have near unlimited potential but he's going nowhere. Is he just not competitive enough?

I think Bamba is his draft’s version of Willie Cauley-Stein.  A top-10 center who has the skills and body-type to be an elite NBA big, but isn’t able to actually put it together and this is not even a viable NBA rotation player.

Trading for him would be a mistake.  He’s someone you take a flyer on as a free agent this summer when his contract is likely not guaranteed.

[Vermont Green]

I will admit that I don't understand what is going on with Bamba in ORL.  Last season, he played 71 games, starting 69, played 26 min per.  Put up decent box scores including 38% from 3.  I get that Orlando now has some younger players or other players ahead of Bamba, but he does seem like a decent young player.  Why aren't they making better use of him?  And if they do trade him, why would they just give him away?  His contract is basically a team option.

I am not sure he is the right player for the Celtics to get right now.  He would probably take some time to integrate and even then, may not impact the core rotation.  I just don't know.  Is he going to give us enough more than Kornet to make a trade worth it?  Maybe, but I have my doubts.  Intriguing player though.

[Roy H.]

I'll propose a deal:

BOS trades:  Gallinari, Pritchard, Jackson, better of HOU / POR #2
ORL trades:  Bamba

It is basically salary neutral for this year.

I like!  The Houston pick could be #32 which is essentially a 1st.

We don't have a first this year, so we can't give up a first in the 2024 draft, therefore, Brad is going to have to get creative.  I like this, definitely provides big depth but we'll ahve to make sure to scour the buyouts for wing depth.  I think with JB and JT nursing injuries, that's going to get important down the road deep into the playoffs.

The Houston pick only comes to us at 33 or worse, otherwise it’s Dallas or Miami.  But the Portland pick is aiming to be late 30s on its own.

I think PP has late first round (high level role/bench player on any team without the Cs depth at guard).  I think Bamba is a less valuable asset than Hachimura so the idea of trading a 1st plus a high 2nd seems to be an over pay. Gallinari plus Jackson worked for salary purposes in the trade machine I tried, but I have no idea if their algorithm is correct.

frankly given the contract, Gallinari might be more valuable than Bamba if he can come back this year.  Given the health, I'd probably do Bamba for Gallinari and Jackson, but no draft picks or other players.  I also might do Bamba, Hampton for Gallinari, Pritchard, and Jackson, but I think Pritchard makes more sense as a shooter off the bench than whatever Hampton's role might be.

What's wrong with Bamba's contract?  $10 million for a low-end starting-caliber center / good backup seems fair, and his deal is non-guaranteed next season.  And let's be real:  Gallo isn't coming back this year, and if he does, he's likely going to be slow, rusty and timid.

A floor-spacing defensive center is exactly what this team needs.  While I'd love to keep Pritchard -- both because he's solid depth and because he's got a tradeable contract next year -- having somebody who can spell both Timelord and Horford is important.

There is nothing wrong with Bamba's contract other than it is 3.5 million more than Gallinari's this year.  So he costs more.  Gallinari is better than Bamba at almost everything.  I get he is hurt, which is why I'd make the move, but no way I'd add Pritchard to it.  Way too much to give up for a guy that might not even play ahead of Kornet.

Bamba is significantly better than both Gallo (who literally adds zero) and Kornet.  And, I'd always trade a 4th PG for a backup center.

Orlando doesn't even view Bamba as a backup.  he hasn't played in 3 of the last 4 games.  He's buried and is pretty much a dump at this point.  If the team waives him by June 29th, which I suspect they would, he has no guarantees and can be waived.  If he's kept on the roster past that date he carries a 10m salary for next year which could be a good salary to have for potential moves.  Now he provides help for Rob and Al but won't play much.  I would say wing SF/PF would be more valuable to take minutes off of JT.

The team needs both a wing and a center.  I think that there are more available centers than wings right now, so that might be easier to trade for.

But, I don't think Orlando is waiving Bamba under any circumstances other than massive injury.  He's a good, young player on a reasonable contract.  It's the same reason that the Celtics picked up Pritchard's 2024 option, despite having Smart, Brogdon and White.  Teams don't generally waive good young players, even if they're redundant.

Comment: because of Tatum, Brown and even Grant Williams, we can solve for wing minutes without actually getting a wing. A power forward or even a center who can play quality minutes can nudge more of Tatum's minutes down to wing. If a real two way wing becomes available, fine, but otherwise, I'd prefer a real power forward.

Question: Can anyone give an explanation as to how Mo Wagner seems to be ahead of Bamba in Orlando's rotation? Bamba seems to have near unlimited potential but he's going nowhere. Is he just not competitive enough?

I think Bamba is his draft’s version of Willie Cauley-Stein.  A top-10 center who has the skills and body-type to be an elite NBA big, but isn’t able to actually put it together and this is not even a viable NBA rotation player.

Trading for him would be a mistake.  He’s someone you take a flyer on as a free agent this summer when his contract is likely not guaranteed.

How is he not a viable rotation player?

He undoubtedly has better players in front of him, and he's had some injuries, but he is a good shot blocker and shooter.  He's had a positive Net Rating every season of his career despite playing on a lousy team, which suggests some level of competent play.

[Vermont Green]

Comment: because of Tatum, Brown and even Grant Williams, we can solve for wing minutes without actually getting a wing. A power forward or even a center who can play quality minutes can nudge more of Tatum's minutes down to wing. If a real two way wing becomes available, fine, but otherwise, I'd prefer a real power forward.

Question: Can anyone give an explanation as to how Mo Wagner seems to be ahead of Bamba in Orlando's rotation? Bamba seems to have near unlimited potential but he's going nowhere. Is he just not competitive enough?

I agree with the comment but I think it is White and Brogdon who would play the 2 and allow Brown to play 3 that gives us more flexibility than the idea of Grant playing the 3.  I have seen no evidence that Grant is a viable 3.  He is mostly just an undersized PF, more likely to slot as an emergency center than wing.

That said, I would not mind the addition of a vet wing or swing.  I don't think it is absolutely essential to do this (nor is getting another big) but it would add some reinforcement at an area of weakness.

[Moranis]

I'll propose a deal:

BOS trades:  Gallinari, Pritchard, Jackson, better of HOU / POR #2
ORL trades:  Bamba

It is basically salary neutral for this year.

I like!  The Houston pick could be #32 which is essentially a 1st.

We don't have a first this year, so we can't give up a first in the 2024 draft, therefore, Brad is going to have to get creative.  I like this, definitely provides big depth but we'll ahve to make sure to scour the buyouts for wing depth.  I think with JB and JT nursing injuries, that's going to get important down the road deep into the playoffs.

The Houston pick only comes to us at 33 or worse, otherwise it’s Dallas or Miami.  But the Portland pick is aiming to be late 30s on its own.

I think PP has late first round (high level role/bench player on any team without the Cs depth at guard).  I think Bamba is a less valuable asset than Hachimura so the idea of trading a 1st plus a high 2nd seems to be an over pay. Gallinari plus Jackson worked for salary purposes in the trade machine I tried, but I have no idea if their algorithm is correct.

frankly given the contract, Gallinari might be more valuable than Bamba if he can come back this year.  Given the health, I'd probably do Bamba for Gallinari and Jackson, but no draft picks or other players.  I also might do Bamba, Hampton for Gallinari, Pritchard, and Jackson, but I think Pritchard makes more sense as a shooter off the bench than whatever Hampton's role might be.

What's wrong with Bamba's contract?  $10 million for a low-end starting-caliber center / good backup seems fair, and his deal is non-guaranteed next season.  And let's be real:  Gallo isn't coming back this year, and if he does, he's likely going to be slow, rusty and timid.

A floor-spacing defensive center is exactly what this team needs.  While I'd love to keep Pritchard -- both because he's solid depth and because he's got a tradeable contract next year -- having somebody who can spell both Timelord and Horford is important.

There is nothing wrong with Bamba's contract other than it is 3.5 million more than Gallinari's this year.  So he costs more.  Gallinari is better than Bamba at almost everything.  I get he is hurt, which is why I'd make the move, but no way I'd add Pritchard to it.  Way too much to give up for a guy that might not even play ahead of Kornet.

Bamba is significantly better than both Gallo (who literally adds zero) and Kornet.  And, I'd always trade a 4th PG for a backup center.

No he isn't.  He blocks shots better and rebounds better, but does nothing else as well as Gallo who is also more versatile in that he can play both PF and C, while Bamba can not.  Gallo is a much better fit with Boston than Bamba is, if he can get back to healthy.  He isn't now, so I'd do the swap just for the certainty, but not with any value added. 

[Roy H.]

I'll propose a deal:

BOS trades:  Gallinari, Pritchard, Jackson, better of HOU / POR #2
ORL trades:  Bamba

It is basically salary neutral for this year.

I like!  The Houston pick could be #32 which is essentially a 1st.

We don't have a first this year, so we can't give up a first in the 2024 draft, therefore, Brad is going to have to get creative.  I like this, definitely provides big depth but we'll ahve to make sure to scour the buyouts for wing depth.  I think with JB and JT nursing injuries, that's going to get important down the road deep into the playoffs.

The Houston pick only comes to us at 33 or worse, otherwise it’s Dallas or Miami.  But the Portland pick is aiming to be late 30s on its own.

I think PP has late first round (high level role/bench player on any team without the Cs depth at guard).  I think Bamba is a less valuable asset than Hachimura so the idea of trading a 1st plus a high 2nd seems to be an over pay. Gallinari plus Jackson worked for salary purposes in the trade machine I tried, but I have no idea if their algorithm is correct.

frankly given the contract, Gallinari might be more valuable than Bamba if he can come back this year.  Given the health, I'd probably do Bamba for Gallinari and Jackson, but no draft picks or other players.  I also might do Bamba, Hampton for Gallinari, Pritchard, and Jackson, but I think Pritchard makes more sense as a shooter off the bench than whatever Hampton's role might be.

What's wrong with Bamba's contract?  $10 million for a low-end starting-caliber center / good backup seems fair, and his deal is non-guaranteed next season.  And let's be real:  Gallo isn't coming back this year, and if he does, he's likely going to be slow, rusty and timid.

A floor-spacing defensive center is exactly what this team needs.  While I'd love to keep Pritchard -- both because he's solid depth and because he's got a tradeable contract next year -- having somebody who can spell both Timelord and Horford is important.

There is nothing wrong with Bamba's contract other than it is 3.5 million more than Gallinari's this year.  So he costs more.  Gallinari is better than Bamba at almost everything.  I get he is hurt, which is why I'd make the move, but no way I'd add Pritchard to it.  Way too much to give up for a guy that might not even play ahead of Kornet.

Bamba is significantly better than both Gallo (who literally adds zero) and Kornet.  And, I'd always trade a 4th PG for a backup center.

No he isn't.  He blocks shots better and rebounds better, but does nothing else as well as Gallo who is also more versatile in that he can play both PF and C, while Bamba can not.  Gallo is a much better fit with Boston than Bamba is, if he can get back to healthy.  He isn't now, so I'd do the swap just for the certainty, but not with any value added.

Gallo ads zero.  His "fit" is towel waver and rehabber.   There is essentially a 0% chance he comes back this year.  He's not Adrian Peterson.  34 year olds don't come back from ACL tears in 9 months.

Last time he tore his ACL -- in April 2013 -- he missed the remainder of that season, as well as the entire next season.  It took him 19 months to play again.  Now we're expecting him back in nine?  Despite being nine years older?

[td450]

Comment: because of Tatum, Brown and even Grant Williams, we can solve for wing minutes without actually getting a wing. A power forward or even a center who can play quality minutes can nudge more of Tatum's minutes down to wing. If a real two way wing becomes available, fine, but otherwise, I'd prefer a real power forward.

Question: Can anyone give an explanation as to how Mo Wagner seems to be ahead of Bamba in Orlando's rotation? Bamba seems to have near unlimited potential but he's going nowhere. Is he just not competitive enough?

I agree with the comment but I think it is White and Brogdon who would play the 2 and allow Brown to play 3 that gives us more flexibility than the idea of Grant playing the 3.  I have seen no evidence that Grant is a viable 3.  He is mostly just an undersized PF, more likely to slot as an emergency center than wing.

That said, I would not mind the addition of a vet wing or swing.  I don't think it is absolutely essential to do this (nor is getting another big) but it would add some reinforcement at an area of weakness.

I agree that Brown can play more 3 too, although White and Brogdon already have fully developed roles. White could maybe play 5 more minutes. Brogdon already plays as much as we should play him. You could even play Pritchard 5-10 more minutes, and have it result in more time at 3 for Jaylen. That is my point.

I disagree about Grant Williams. He could shift 5-10 minutes to the 3 spot pretty easily, if we had another PF to play. He can't cover the most explosive guys, but we don't need him to. This team has a lot of multi-positional flexibility. A 4/5 guy who can defend would help the most, short and longer term.

[Moranis]

I'll propose a deal:

BOS trades:  Gallinari, Pritchard, Jackson, better of HOU / POR #2
ORL trades:  Bamba

It is basically salary neutral for this year.

I like!  The Houston pick could be #32 which is essentially a 1st.

We don't have a first this year, so we can't give up a first in the 2024 draft, therefore, Brad is going to have to get creative.  I like this, definitely provides big depth but we'll ahve to make sure to scour the buyouts for wing depth.  I think with JB and JT nursing injuries, that's going to get important down the road deep into the playoffs.

The Houston pick only comes to us at 33 or worse, otherwise it’s Dallas or Miami.  But the Portland pick is aiming to be late 30s on its own.

I think PP has late first round (high level role/bench player on any team without the Cs depth at guard).  I think Bamba is a less valuable asset than Hachimura so the idea of trading a 1st plus a high 2nd seems to be an over pay. Gallinari plus Jackson worked for salary purposes in the trade machine I tried, but I have no idea if their algorithm is correct.

frankly given the contract, Gallinari might be more valuable than Bamba if he can come back this year.  Given the health, I'd probably do Bamba for Gallinari and Jackson, but no draft picks or other players.  I also might do Bamba, Hampton for Gallinari, Pritchard, and Jackson, but I think Pritchard makes more sense as a shooter off the bench than whatever Hampton's role might be.

What's wrong with Bamba's contract?  $10 million for a low-end starting-caliber center / good backup seems fair, and his deal is non-guaranteed next season.  And let's be real:  Gallo isn't coming back this year, and if he does, he's likely going to be slow, rusty and timid.

A floor-spacing defensive center is exactly what this team needs.  While I'd love to keep Pritchard -- both because he's solid depth and because he's got a tradeable contract next year -- having somebody who can spell both Timelord and Horford is important.

There is nothing wrong with Bamba's contract other than it is 3.5 million more than Gallinari's this year.  So he costs more.  Gallinari is better than Bamba at almost everything.  I get he is hurt, which is why I'd make the move, but no way I'd add Pritchard to it.  Way too much to give up for a guy that might not even play ahead of Kornet.

Bamba is significantly better than both Gallo (who literally adds zero) and Kornet.  And, I'd always trade a 4th PG for a backup center.

No he isn't.  He blocks shots better and rebounds better, but does nothing else as well as Gallo who is also more versatile in that he can play both PF and C, while Bamba can not.  Gallo is a much better fit with Boston than Bamba is, if he can get back to healthy.  He isn't now, so I'd do the swap just for the certainty, but not with any value added.

Gallo ads zero.  His "fit" is towel waver and rehabber.   There is essentially a 0% chance he comes back this year.  He's not Adrian Peterson.  34 year olds don't come back from ACL tears in 9 months.

Last time he tore his ACL -- in April 2013 -- he missed the remainder of that season, as well as the entire next season.  It took him 19 months to play again.  Now we're expecting him back in nine?  Despite being nine years older?

As I said, I'd make the trade, just not with Pritchard, a 1st, etc.  Bamba isn't any good.  There is a reason he is barely playing for the Magic.    In the last 12 games he has been a healthy scratch 5 times and is down under 10 mpg in the other 7 and he was a healthy scratch 14 games ago.  Bamba isn't good.  Pritchard is significantly better than he is, it isn't close.  I'm not sure he'd play ahead of Kornet, who you all know I think blows. And Bamba is a pure center.  He has never played or guarded PF's in his life.  He'd be the 3rd or 4th center on this team.  If the trade is just injured Gallo and Jackson, then it is fine, anything more than that and it is a terrible trade.

[Celtics2021]

I'll propose a deal:

BOS trades:  Gallinari, Pritchard, Jackson, better of HOU / POR #2
ORL trades:  Bamba

It is basically salary neutral for this year.

I like!  The Houston pick could be #32 which is essentially a 1st.

We don't have a first this year, so we can't give up a first in the 2024 draft, therefore, Brad is going to have to get creative.  I like this, definitely provides big depth but we'll ahve to make sure to scour the buyouts for wing depth.  I think with JB and JT nursing injuries, that's going to get important down the road deep into the playoffs.

The Houston pick only comes to us at 33 or worse, otherwise it’s Dallas or Miami.  But the Portland pick is aiming to be late 30s on its own.

I think PP has late first round (high level role/bench player on any team without the Cs depth at guard).  I think Bamba is a less valuable asset than Hachimura so the idea of trading a 1st plus a high 2nd seems to be an over pay. Gallinari plus Jackson worked for salary purposes in the trade machine I tried, but I have no idea if their algorithm is correct.

frankly given the contract, Gallinari might be more valuable than Bamba if he can come back this year.  Given the health, I'd probably do Bamba for Gallinari and Jackson, but no draft picks or other players.  I also might do Bamba, Hampton for Gallinari, Pritchard, and Jackson, but I think Pritchard makes more sense as a shooter off the bench than whatever Hampton's role might be.

What's wrong with Bamba's contract?  $10 million for a low-end starting-caliber center / good backup seems fair, and his deal is non-guaranteed next season.  And let's be real:  Gallo isn't coming back this year, and if he does, he's likely going to be slow, rusty and timid.

A floor-spacing defensive center is exactly what this team needs.  While I'd love to keep Pritchard -- both because he's solid depth and because he's got a tradeable contract next year -- having somebody who can spell both Timelord and Horford is important.

There is nothing wrong with Bamba's contract other than it is 3.5 million more than Gallinari's this year.  So he costs more.  Gallinari is better than Bamba at almost everything.  I get he is hurt, which is why I'd make the move, but no way I'd add Pritchard to it.  Way too much to give up for a guy that might not even play ahead of Kornet.

Bamba is significantly better than both Gallo (who literally adds zero) and Kornet.  And, I'd always trade a 4th PG for a backup center.

Orlando doesn't even view Bamba as a backup.  he hasn't played in 3 of the last 4 games.  He's buried and is pretty much a dump at this point.  If the team waives him by June 29th, which I suspect they would, he has no guarantees and can be waived.  If he's kept on the roster past that date he carries a 10m salary for next year which could be a good salary to have for potential moves.  Now he provides help for Rob and Al but won't play much.  I would say wing SF/PF would be more valuable to take minutes off of JT.

The team needs both a wing and a center.  I think that there are more available centers than wings right now, so that might be easier to trade for.

But, I don't think Orlando is waiving Bamba under any circumstances other than massive injury.  He's a good, young player on a reasonable contract.  It's the same reason that the Celtics picked up Pritchard's 2024 option, despite having Smart, Brogdon and White.  Teams don't generally waive good young players, even if they're redundant.

Comment: because of Tatum, Brown and even Grant Williams, we can solve for wing minutes without actually getting a wing. A power forward or even a center who can play quality minutes can nudge more of Tatum's minutes down to wing. If a real two way wing becomes available, fine, but otherwise, I'd prefer a real power forward.

Question: Can anyone give an explanation as to how Mo Wagner seems to be ahead of Bamba in Orlando's rotation? Bamba seems to have near unlimited potential but he's going nowhere. Is he just not competitive enough?

I think Bamba is his draft’s version of Willie Cauley-Stein.  A top-10 center who has the skills and body-type to be an elite NBA big, but isn’t able to actually put it together and this is not even a viable NBA rotation player.

Trading for him would be a mistake.  He’s someone you take a flyer on as a free agent this summer when his contract is likely not guaranteed.

How is he not a viable rotation player?

He undoubtedly has better players in front of him, and he's had some injuries, but he is a good shot blocker and shooter.  He's had a positive Net Rating every season of his career despite playing on a lousy team, which suggests some level of competent play.

Net rating suggests competent play, but at the same time he is clearly behind three other centers, including Mo Wagner, on a lottery-bound team.  His extension was a prove-it extension after three years of uninspiring play on his rookie deal — a season-and-a-half later he’s fallen out of his team’s rotation.  The likelihood that he is not of rotation-quality on a bad team but is rotation-quality on a good team is very, very low.  Not impossible, but that’s not someone you make a trade for, that’s someone you kick the tires on in free agency.

[Roy H.]

I'll propose a deal:

BOS trades:  Gallinari, Pritchard, Jackson, better of HOU / POR #2
ORL trades:  Bamba

It is basically salary neutral for this year.

I like!  The Houston pick could be #32 which is essentially a 1st.

We don't have a first this year, so we can't give up a first in the 2024 draft, therefore, Brad is going to have to get creative.  I like this, definitely provides big depth but we'll ahve to make sure to scour the buyouts for wing depth.  I think with JB and JT nursing injuries, that's going to get important down the road deep into the playoffs.

The Houston pick only comes to us at 33 or worse, otherwise it’s Dallas or Miami.  But the Portland pick is aiming to be late 30s on its own.

I think PP has late first round (high level role/bench player on any team without the Cs depth at guard).  I think Bamba is a less valuable asset than Hachimura so the idea of trading a 1st plus a high 2nd seems to be an over pay. Gallinari plus Jackson worked for salary purposes in the trade machine I tried, but I have no idea if their algorithm is correct.

frankly given the contract, Gallinari might be more valuable than Bamba if he can come back this year.  Given the health, I'd probably do Bamba for Gallinari and Jackson, but no draft picks or other players.  I also might do Bamba, Hampton for Gallinari, Pritchard, and Jackson, but I think Pritchard makes more sense as a shooter off the bench than whatever Hampton's role might be.

What's wrong with Bamba's contract?  $10 million for a low-end starting-caliber center / good backup seems fair, and his deal is non-guaranteed next season.  And let's be real:  Gallo isn't coming back this year, and if he does, he's likely going to be slow, rusty and timid.

A floor-spacing defensive center is exactly what this team needs.  While I'd love to keep Pritchard -- both because he's solid depth and because he's got a tradeable contract next year -- having somebody who can spell both Timelord and Horford is important.

There is nothing wrong with Bamba's contract other than it is 3.5 million more than Gallinari's this year.  So he costs more.  Gallinari is better than Bamba at almost everything.  I get he is hurt, which is why I'd make the move, but no way I'd add Pritchard to it.  Way too much to give up for a guy that might not even play ahead of Kornet.

Bamba is significantly better than both Gallo (who literally adds zero) and Kornet.  And, I'd always trade a 4th PG for a backup center.

No he isn't.  He blocks shots better and rebounds better, but does nothing else as well as Gallo who is also more versatile in that he can play both PF and C, while Bamba can not.  Gallo is a much better fit with Boston than Bamba is, if he can get back to healthy.  He isn't now, so I'd do the swap just for the certainty, but not with any value added.

Gallo ads zero.  His "fit" is towel waver and rehabber.   There is essentially a 0% chance he comes back this year.  He's not Adrian Peterson.  34 year olds don't come back from ACL tears in 9 months.

Last time he tore his ACL -- in April 2013 -- he missed the remainder of that season, as well as the entire next season.  It took him 19 months to play again.  Now we're expecting him back in nine?  Despite being nine years older?

As I said, I'd make the trade, just not with Pritchard, a 1st, etc.  Bamba isn't any good.  There is a reason he is barely playing for the Magic.    In the last 12 games he has been a healthy scratch 5 times and is down under 10 mpg in the other 7 and he was a healthy scratch 14 games ago.  Bamba isn't good. Pritchard is significantly better than he is, it isn't close.  I'm not sure he'd play ahead of Kornet, who you all know I think blows. And Bamba is a pure center.  He has never played or guarded PF's in his life.  He'd be the 3rd or 4th center on this team.  If the trade is just injured Gallo and Jackson, then it is fine, anything more than that and it is a terrible trade.

Lol.  "It isn't close" doesn't make a false statement true.

Bamba leads in points per game, points per possession, FG%, eFG%, 2PT%, 3PT%, TS%, FT%, 3PM, FTA, rebounds, and blocks.  They have the same number of assists and steals, and Bamba has fewer turnovers.  Bamba has the better ORtg, DRtg, PER, WS, WS/48, BPM, OPM, DPM, and has a lower usage rate.  Pritchard is older, and is playing less.

Pritchard fouls less.  That is literally the only thing he has been better at.

EDIT:  I forgot VORP.  Bamba leads there, too. 

[tonydelk]

I'll propose a deal:

BOS trades:  Gallinari, Pritchard, Jackson, better of HOU / POR #2
ORL trades:  Bamba

It is basically salary neutral for this year.

I like!  The Houston pick could be #32 which is essentially a 1st.

We don't have a first this year, so we can't give up a first in the 2024 draft, therefore, Brad is going to have to get creative.  I like this, definitely provides big depth but we'll ahve to make sure to scour the buyouts for wing depth.  I think with JB and JT nursing injuries, that's going to get important down the road deep into the playoffs.

The Houston pick only comes to us at 33 or worse, otherwise it’s Dallas or Miami.  But the Portland pick is aiming to be late 30s on its own.

I think PP has late first round (high level role/bench player on any team without the Cs depth at guard).  I think Bamba is a less valuable asset than Hachimura so the idea of trading a 1st plus a high 2nd seems to be an over pay. Gallinari plus Jackson worked for salary purposes in the trade machine I tried, but I have no idea if their algorithm is correct.

frankly given the contract, Gallinari might be more valuable than Bamba if he can come back this year.  Given the health, I'd probably do Bamba for Gallinari and Jackson, but no draft picks or other players.  I also might do Bamba, Hampton for Gallinari, Pritchard, and Jackson, but I think Pritchard makes more sense as a shooter off the bench than whatever Hampton's role might be.

What's wrong with Bamba's contract?  $10 million for a low-end starting-caliber center / good backup seems fair, and his deal is non-guaranteed next season.  And let's be real:  Gallo isn't coming back this year, and if he does, he's likely going to be slow, rusty and timid.

A floor-spacing defensive center is exactly what this team needs.  While I'd love to keep Pritchard -- both because he's solid depth and because he's got a tradeable contract next year -- having somebody who can spell both Timelord and Horford is important.

There is nothing wrong with Bamba's contract other than it is 3.5 million more than Gallinari's this year.  So he costs more.  Gallinari is better than Bamba at almost everything.  I get he is hurt, which is why I'd make the move, but no way I'd add Pritchard to it.  Way too much to give up for a guy that might not even play ahead of Kornet.

Bamba is significantly better than both Gallo (who literally adds zero) and Kornet.  And, I'd always trade a 4th PG for a backup center.

Orlando doesn't even view Bamba as a backup.  he hasn't played in 3 of the last 4 games.  He's buried and is pretty much a dump at this point.  If the team waives him by June 29th, which I suspect they would, he has no guarantees and can be waived.  If he's kept on the roster past that date he carries a 10m salary for next year which could be a good salary to have for potential moves.  Now he provides help for Rob and Al but won't play much.  I would say wing SF/PF would be more valuable to take minutes off of JT.

The team needs both a wing and a center.  I think that there are more available centers than wings right now, so that might be easier to trade for.

But, I don't think Orlando is waiving Bamba under any circumstances other than massive injury.  He's a good, young player on a reasonable contract.  It's the same reason that the Celtics picked up Pritchard's 2024 option, despite having Smart, Brogdon and White.  Teams don't generally waive good young players, even if they're redundant.

Comment: because of Tatum, Brown and even Grant Williams, we can solve for wing minutes without actually getting a wing. A power forward or even a center who can play quality minutes can nudge more of Tatum's minutes down to wing. If a real two way wing becomes available, fine, but otherwise, I'd prefer a real power forward.

Question: Can anyone give an explanation as to how Mo Wagner seems to be ahead of Bamba in Orlando's rotation? Bamba seems to have near unlimited potential but he's going nowhere. Is he just not competitive enough?

I think Bamba is his draft’s version of Willie Cauley-Stein.  A top-10 center who has the skills and body-type to be an elite NBA big, but isn’t able to actually put it together and this is not even a viable NBA rotation player.

Trading for him would be a mistake.  He’s someone you take a flyer on as a free agent this summer when his contract is likely not guaranteed.

How is he not a viable rotation player?

He undoubtedly has better players in front of him, and he's had some injuries, but he is a good shot blocker and shooter.  He's had a positive Net Rating every season of his career despite playing on a lousy team, which suggests some level of competent play.

Net rating suggests competent play, but at the same time he is clearly behind three other centers, including Mo Wagner, on a lottery-bound team.  His extension was a prove-it extension after three years of uninspiring play on his rookie deal — a season-and-a-half later he’s fallen out of his team’s rotation.  The likelihood that he is not of rotation-quality on a bad team but is rotation-quality on a good team is very, very low.  Not impossible, but that’s not someone you make a trade for, that’s someone you kick the tires on in free agency.

I've always liked Bamba as a project but from Wyc's comments they don't want projects they want the here and now.

I'd rather have Smith from Indy then Bamba. PF/C can shoot the 3.  Rebound.  Good energy and effort guy.  Can block shots.  Hed need to calm down a bit with his shot selection but he's cheap and signed for a few years.  I like him more then Bamba.

[Roy H.]

I'll propose a deal:

BOS trades:  Gallinari, Pritchard, Jackson, better of HOU / POR #2
ORL trades:  Bamba

It is basically salary neutral for this year.

I like!  The Houston pick could be #32 which is essentially a 1st.

We don't have a first this year, so we can't give up a first in the 2024 draft, therefore, Brad is going to have to get creative.  I like this, definitely provides big depth but we'll ahve to make sure to scour the buyouts for wing depth.  I think with JB and JT nursing injuries, that's going to get important down the road deep into the playoffs.

The Houston pick only comes to us at 33 or worse, otherwise it’s Dallas or Miami.  But the Portland pick is aiming to be late 30s on its own.

I think PP has late first round (high level role/bench player on any team without the Cs depth at guard).  I think Bamba is a less valuable asset than Hachimura so the idea of trading a 1st plus a high 2nd seems to be an over pay. Gallinari plus Jackson worked for salary purposes in the trade machine I tried, but I have no idea if their algorithm is correct.

frankly given the contract, Gallinari might be more valuable than Bamba if he can come back this year.  Given the health, I'd probably do Bamba for Gallinari and Jackson, but no draft picks or other players.  I also might do Bamba, Hampton for Gallinari, Pritchard, and Jackson, but I think Pritchard makes more sense as a shooter off the bench than whatever Hampton's role might be.

What's wrong with Bamba's contract?  $10 million for a low-end starting-caliber center / good backup seems fair, and his deal is non-guaranteed next season.  And let's be real:  Gallo isn't coming back this year, and if he does, he's likely going to be slow, rusty and timid.

A floor-spacing defensive center is exactly what this team needs.  While I'd love to keep Pritchard -- both because he's solid depth and because he's got a tradeable contract next year -- having somebody who can spell both Timelord and Horford is important.

There is nothing wrong with Bamba's contract other than it is 3.5 million more than Gallinari's this year.  So he costs more.  Gallinari is better than Bamba at almost everything.  I get he is hurt, which is why I'd make the move, but no way I'd add Pritchard to it.  Way too much to give up for a guy that might not even play ahead of Kornet.

Bamba is significantly better than both Gallo (who literally adds zero) and Kornet.  And, I'd always trade a 4th PG for a backup center.

Orlando doesn't even view Bamba as a backup.  he hasn't played in 3 of the last 4 games.  He's buried and is pretty much a dump at this point.  If the team waives him by June 29th, which I suspect they would, he has no guarantees and can be waived.  If he's kept on the roster past that date he carries a 10m salary for next year which could be a good salary to have for potential moves.  Now he provides help for Rob and Al but won't play much.  I would say wing SF/PF would be more valuable to take minutes off of JT.

The team needs both a wing and a center.  I think that there are more available centers than wings right now, so that might be easier to trade for.

But, I don't think Orlando is waiving Bamba under any circumstances other than massive injury.  He's a good, young player on a reasonable contract.  It's the same reason that the Celtics picked up Pritchard's 2024 option, despite having Smart, Brogdon and White.  Teams don't generally waive good young players, even if they're redundant.

Comment: because of Tatum, Brown and even Grant Williams, we can solve for wing minutes without actually getting a wing. A power forward or even a center who can play quality minutes can nudge more of Tatum's minutes down to wing. If a real two way wing becomes available, fine, but otherwise, I'd prefer a real power forward.

Question: Can anyone give an explanation as to how Mo Wagner seems to be ahead of Bamba in Orlando's rotation? Bamba seems to have near unlimited potential but he's going nowhere. Is he just not competitive enough?

I think Bamba is his draft’s version of Willie Cauley-Stein.  A top-10 center who has the skills and body-type to be an elite NBA big, but isn’t able to actually put it together and this is not even a viable NBA rotation player.

Trading for him would be a mistake.  He’s someone you take a flyer on as a free agent this summer when his contract is likely not guaranteed.

How is he not a viable rotation player?

He undoubtedly has better players in front of him, and he's had some injuries, but he is a good shot blocker and shooter.  He's had a positive Net Rating every season of his career despite playing on a lousy team, which suggests some level of competent play.

Net rating suggests competent play, but at the same time he is clearly behind three other centers, including Mo Wagner, on a lottery-bound team.  His extension was a prove-it extension after three years of uninspiring play on his rookie deal — a season-and-a-half later he’s fallen out of his team’s rotation.  The likelihood that he is not of rotation-quality on a bad team but is rotation-quality on a good team is very, very low.  Not impossible, but that’s not someone you make a trade for, that’s someone you kick the tires on in free agency.

I've always liked Bamba as a project but from Wyc's comments they don't want projects they want the here and now.

I'd rather have Smith from Indy then Bamba. PF/C can shoot the 3.  Rebound.  Good energy and effort guy.  Can block shots.  Hed need to calm down a bit with his shot selection but he's cheap and signed for a few years.  I like him more then Bamba.

Why would Indiana trade him, though?