Celtics News

[Roy H.]

There is no good trade around the players the Celtics are likely to move that will improve the Celtics.   They are not getting equal talent and they are looking to shed salary because of the rules of the current CBA.   It is not about cheap ownership.   It is about a deal where the league dreams about parity.   


I have stopped trying to come up with trades.  It is just too frustrating.

Luckily Brad will have more resolve!

Yeah.  In Brad we trust.

I think best case scenario we come out of this off-season with one of Jrue or Porzingis gone, with the rest of the roster intact.  More likely, we'll be down at least two of Jrue/KP/Hauser, and possibly will lose all three.  Also, there's no guarantee that Horford and/or Luke come back.

It's kind of crazy that there's a quasi-realistic chance that we start next season without seven of our top nine rotation players, with five gone and two recovering from surgery (Tatum, Brown).  Riches to rags.

It doesn't necessarily have to be that way, though.  If new ownership could stomach being above the apron next season (and paying the repeater luxury tax for the foreseeable future), we could keep everybody but Jrue going forward.  If you replace Jrue with a $20 million player in 2027 and resign KP for around $20 million, we'd still be well below the second apron, meaning we could keep the core together going forward.

KP / Kornet
Tatum / $20 million player
Hauser
Brown / Scheierman
White / Pritchard

Add in a 1st rounder and a high second, and we'd be in pretty good shape.

I just don't think the team is going to stop at modest financial savings this coming season.

The question is how far below the 2nd apron do the Celtics need to get so they still have option in trying to improve the team once Tatum comes back.   

From ownership's perspective, probably two seasons in a row below the luxury tax, to get us out of the repeater tax.

The problem with that approach is that the team loses the salary slots, making it harder to add salary when we do want to go back above the tax.

[RMO]

There is no good trade around the players the Celtics are likely to move that will improve the Celtics.   They are not getting equal talent and they are looking to shed salary because of the rules of the current CBA.   It is not about cheap ownership.   It is about a deal where the league dreams about parity.   


I have stopped trying to come up with trades.  It is just too frustrating.

It's frustrating to me.  They drafted two players, both of whom made themselves eligible for a super max and they paid them that.  They traded for players and then resigned them.  It's not like they just went out and paid a bunch of free agents.

I understand limits being in place to prevent teams with deep pockets from just outspending other teams but it seems the Celtics did it the right way and now they're being punished.

[Birdman]

NBA said they want help smaller market teams and that?s why the put in salary cap, luxury tax, etc? but when u see year after year that a team with worst record hardly get first pick, it make u wonder just like Dallas getting Flagg?

[jambr380]

There is no good trade around the players the Celtics are likely to move that will improve the Celtics.   They are not getting equal talent and they are looking to shed salary because of the rules of the current CBA.   It is not about cheap ownership.   It is about a deal where the league dreams about parity.   


I have stopped trying to come up with trades.  It is just too frustrating.

Luckily Brad will have more resolve!

Yeah.  In Brad we trust.

I think best case scenario we come out of this off-season with one of Jrue or Porzingis gone, with the rest of the roster intact.  More likely, we'll be down at least two of Jrue/KP/Hauser, and possibly will lose all three.  Also, there's no guarantee that Horford and/or Luke come back.

It's kind of crazy that there's a quasi-realistic chance that we start next season without seven of our top nine rotation players, with five gone and two recovering from surgery (Tatum, Brown).  Riches to rags.

It doesn't necessarily have to be that way, though.  If new ownership could stomach being above the apron next season (and paying the repeater luxury tax for the foreseeable future), we could keep everybody but Jrue going forward.  If you replace Jrue with a $20 million player in 2027 and resign KP for around $20 million, we'd still be well below the second apron, meaning we could keep the core together going forward.

KP / Kornet
Tatum / $20 million player
Hauser
Brown / Scheierman
White / Pritchard

Add in a 1st rounder and a high second, and we'd be in pretty good shape.

I just don't think the team is going to stop at modest financial savings this coming season.

The question is how far below the 2nd apron do the Celtics need to get so they still have option in trying to improve the team once Tatum comes back.   

From ownership's perspective, probably two seasons in a row below the luxury tax, to get us out of the repeater tax.

The problem with that approach is that the team loses the salary slots, making it harder to add salary when we do want to go back above the tax.

I guess at that point, we look to be the kind of team we are looking to deal with right now in terms of the 125% rule.

Like we would be the team cobbling together $24M in salary for KP or $26M in salary for Jrue. Sort of like we did to get those guys. It probably wouldn't hurt to keep one or two of those mid-range salaries that we are going to be receiving for those guys, but it'll be difficult with the contracts of Tatum, Brown, and White still on the books.

[slightly biased bias fan]

The Boston Celtics are going to make trades, they are definitely going to have a different roster next season.

Shams Charania

[Phantom255x]

The Boston Celtics are going to make trades, they are definitely going to have a different roster next season.

Shams Charania

Man, top-notch reporting by Shams. I think the entire region is shocked to hear this news!

[No Nickname]

If there was a way to get below the 2nd apron in order to swing a deal for DeMar DeRozan I'd be interested.

Yes, the team needs more front court help.  But if Tatum can return next next year in February, this team would need some scoring help.

--Yes, he's about to be 36, but has only two years left on his contract.  So he's not going to command a ton.  The Heat supposedly are offering Rozier and Jaime Jaquez Jr.
--If Jrue is shipped out (in this or some other deal), Jaylen Brown could move to SG where he played earlier in his career.
--While DeRozan is a career 32% three-point shooter, but we don't need more three-point shooting.  Plus, Jrue wasn't putting up a lot of threes during his time here either.
DeRozan is a closer.  Something Tatum is not.  Late game, need a bucket, put the ball in DeRozan's hands.  This team is desperately in need of a guy who can stop another team's run.

2024-25 Clutch Rankings (min 24 "clutch" games):

Jalen Brunson
Tyrese Maxey
Nikola Jokić
Trae Young
Anthony Edwards
Stephen Curry
DeMar DeRozan

[Neurotic Guy]

If there was a way to get below the 2nd apron in order to swing a deal for DeMar DeRozan I'd be interested.

Yes, the team needs more front court help.  But if Tatum can return next next year in February, this team would need some scoring help.

--Yes, he's about to be 36, but has only two years left on his contract.  So he's not going to command a ton.  The Heat supposedly are offering Rozier and Jaime Jaquez Jr.
--If Jrue is shipped out (in this or some other deal), Jaylen Brown could move to SG where he played earlier in his career.
--While DeRozan is a career 32% three-point shooter, but we don't need more three-point shooting.  Plus, Jrue wasn't putting up a lot of threes during his time here either.
DeRozan is a closer.  Something Tatum is not.  Late game, need a bucket, put the ball in DeRozan's hands.  This team is desperately in need of a guy who can stop another team's run.

2024-25 Clutch Rankings (min 24 "clutch" games):

Jalen Brunson
Tyrese Maxey
Nikola Jokić
Trae Young
Anthony Edwards
Stephen Curry
DeMar DeRozan

If he has two years left in the tank at what he produced this year, I?m all for it. Always liked DeRozan.  And at some point coming off the bench he?d be a weapon. Great that he?s a below average 3-point shooter - maybe that will force a different scoring mindset when he?s on the court.

[Goldstar88]

If there was a way to get below the 2nd apron in order to swing a deal for DeMar DeRozan I'd be interested.

Yes, the team needs more front court help.  But if Tatum can return next next year in February, this team would need some scoring help.

--Yes, he's about to be 36, but has only two years left on his contract.  So he's not going to command a ton.  The Heat supposedly are offering Rozier and Jaime Jaquez Jr.
--If Jrue is shipped out (in this or some other deal), Jaylen Brown could move to SG where he played earlier in his career.
--While DeRozan is a career 32% three-point shooter, but we don't need more three-point shooting.  Plus, Jrue wasn't putting up a lot of threes during his time here either.
DeRozan is a closer.  Something Tatum is not.  Late game, need a bucket, put the ball in DeRozan's hands.  This team is desperately in need of a guy who can stop another team's run.

2024-25 Clutch Rankings (min 24 "clutch" games):

Jalen Brunson
Tyrese Maxey
Nikola Jokić
Trae Young
Anthony Edwards
Stephen Curry
DeMar DeRozan

If he has two years left in the tank at what he produced this year, I?m all for it. Always liked DeRozan.  And at some point coming off the bench he?d be a weapon. Great that he?s a below average 3-point shooter - maybe that will force a different scoring mindset when he?s on the court.

Derozan is a below average defender and as you said, can?t shoot the 3. Doesn?t sound like a Brad Steven?s type to me.

[Who]

If there was a way to get below the 2nd apron in order to swing a deal for DeMar DeRozan I'd be interested.

Yes, the team needs more front court help.  But if Tatum can return next next year in February, this team would need some scoring help.

--Yes, he's about to be 36, but has only two years left on his contract.  So he's not going to command a ton.  The Heat supposedly are offering Rozier and Jaime Jaquez Jr.

I like that Rozier & Jaquez for DeRozan trade. Gives Sacramento a PG and a bench forward. Miami gets a scoring forward.

If Sacramento could get a staring PF in FA, that could be a good move for them. Not sure what their cap space situation is. What they have to offer. Hopefully the full MLE because they need a starting caliber PF.

G - Rozier, Devin Carter
G - Z LaVine, M Monk, Keon Ellis
F - Keegan Murray, Jaquez
F - (free agent), J LaRavia
C - D Sabonis, Valanciunas, T Lyles

Maybe start LaRavia. Use Jaquez as backup PF. Keon Ellis as backup SF. A small rotation but good firepower. Keegan Murray would get a lot more opportunities without DeRozan around.

Miami Heat

DeRozan would be a good upgrade for Miami given that Rozier has fallen out of the rotation. Strange fit for Miami. Somewhat similar offensive game to Jimmy Butler. That part is good. The strange part is whether Miami stays big with Bam at PF alongside Ware or goes small again.

G: T Herro, Davion Mitchell
G: D Robinson, (free agent)
F: DeRozan, A Wiggins, P Larsson
F: Bam, Slow Mo, Jovic
C: K Ware, K Love

Or

G: T Herro, Davion Mitchell
G: D Robinson, (free agent)
F: A Wiggins, P Larsson
F: DeRozan, Slow Mo, Jovic
C: Bam, K Ware, K Love

They could start DeRozan and Wiggins together on the wing and move Duncan Robinson to the bench. Not sure either guy is a great fit at guard at this point in their careers though. Wiggins would be the better bet.

This would be like the Jimmy Butler Miami Heat teams only without Butler's defense. DeRozan can cover Jimmy's offense but DeRozan is a lousy defender at PF. Not sure Miami is gaining much here.

G: T Herro, Davion Mitchell
G: A Wiggins, D Robinson
F: DeRozan, P Larsson
F: Bam, Slow Mo, Jovic
C: K Ware, K Love

Not a lot of outside shooting there. Herro the only reliable threat. Wiggins a sometimes threat. DeRozan and Bam low quality threats. Ware a non-threat. Not sure there are great defensive gains either. Ware still learning on the job. Herro a below average defender. DeRozan a 4/10 defender (at SF - worse at guard or PF).

[No Nickname]

If there was a way to get below the 2nd apron in order to swing a deal for DeMar DeRozan I'd be interested.

Yes, the team needs more front court help.  But if Tatum can return next next year in February, this team would need some scoring help.

--Yes, he's about to be 36, but has only two years left on his contract.  So he's not going to command a ton.  The Heat supposedly are offering Rozier and Jaime Jaquez Jr.
--If Jrue is shipped out (in this or some other deal), Jaylen Brown could move to SG where he played earlier in his career.
--While DeRozan is a career 32% three-point shooter, but we don't need more three-point shooting.  Plus, Jrue wasn't putting up a lot of threes during his time here either.
DeRozan is a closer.  Something Tatum is not.  Late game, need a bucket, put the ball in DeRozan's hands.  This team is desperately in need of a guy who can stop another team's run.

2024-25 Clutch Rankings (min 24 "clutch" games):

Jalen Brunson
Tyrese Maxey
Nikola Jokić
Trae Young
Anthony Edwards
Stephen Curry
DeMar DeRozan

If he has two years left in the tank at what he produced this year, I?m all for it. Always liked DeRozan.  And at some point coming off the bench he?d be a weapon. Great that he?s a below average 3-point shooter - maybe that will force a different scoring mindset when he?s on the court.

Derozan is a below average defender and as you said, can?t shoot the 3. Doesn?t sound like a Brad Steven?s type to me.

If KP and Tatum can come back healthy you'd still have FOUR starters (assuming this is next playoff season) who can shoot the three.

What's wrong with one guy who "only" shoots 32%?  That was better than Marcus Smart.

And as Neurotic Guy says, it would be good to have someone who doesn't rely on the three-pointer so much.

[Celtics2021]

If there was a way to get below the 2nd apron in order to swing a deal for DeMar DeRozan I'd be interested.

Yes, the team needs more front court help.  But if Tatum can return next next year in February, this team would need some scoring help.

--Yes, he's about to be 36, but has only two years left on his contract.  So he's not going to command a ton.  The Heat supposedly are offering Rozier and Jaime Jaquez Jr.
--If Jrue is shipped out (in this or some other deal), Jaylen Brown could move to SG where he played earlier in his career.
--While DeRozan is a career 32% three-point shooter, but we don't need more three-point shooting.  Plus, Jrue wasn't putting up a lot of threes during his time here either.
DeRozan is a closer.  Something Tatum is not.  Late game, need a bucket, put the ball in DeRozan's hands.  This team is desperately in need of a guy who can stop another team's run.

2024-25 Clutch Rankings (min 24 "clutch" games):

Jalen Brunson
Tyrese Maxey
Nikola Jokić
Trae Young
Anthony Edwards
Stephen Curry
DeMar DeRozan

If he has two years left in the tank at what he produced this year, I?m all for it. Always liked DeRozan.  And at some point coming off the bench he?d be a weapon. Great that he?s a below average 3-point shooter - maybe that will force a different scoring mindset when he?s on the court.

Derozan is a below average defender and as you said, can?t shoot the 3. Doesn?t sound like a Brad Steven?s type to me.

If KP and Tatum can come back healthy you'd still have FOUR starters (assuming this is next playoff season) who can shoot the three.

What's wrong with one guy who "only" shoots 32%?  That was better than Marcus Smart.

And as Neurotic Guy says, it would be good to have someone who doesn't rely on the three-pointer so much.

Marcus Smart last shot 32% with the Celtics in Tatum?s rookie season. It is actually worse than Marcus.

[No Nickname]

If there was a way to get below the 2nd apron in order to swing a deal for DeMar DeRozan I'd be interested.

Yes, the team needs more front court help.  But if Tatum can return next next year in February, this team would need some scoring help.

--Yes, he's about to be 36, but has only two years left on his contract.  So he's not going to command a ton.  The Heat supposedly are offering Rozier and Jaime Jaquez Jr.
--If Jrue is shipped out (in this or some other deal), Jaylen Brown could move to SG where he played earlier in his career.
--While DeRozan is a career 32% three-point shooter, but we don't need more three-point shooting.  Plus, Jrue wasn't putting up a lot of threes during his time here either.
DeRozan is a closer.  Something Tatum is not.  Late game, need a bucket, put the ball in DeRozan's hands.  This team is desperately in need of a guy who can stop another team's run.

2024-25 Clutch Rankings (min 24 "clutch" games):

Jalen Brunson
Tyrese Maxey
Nikola Jokić
Trae Young
Anthony Edwards
Stephen Curry
DeMar DeRozan

If he has two years left in the tank at what he produced this year, I?m all for it. Always liked DeRozan.  And at some point coming off the bench he?d be a weapon. Great that he?s a below average 3-point shooter - maybe that will force a different scoring mindset when he?s on the court.

Derozan is a below average defender and as you said, can?t shoot the 3. Doesn?t sound like a Brad Steven?s type to me.

If KP and Tatum can come back healthy you'd still have FOUR starters (assuming this is next playoff season) who can shoot the three.

What's wrong with one guy who "only" shoots 32%?  That was better than Marcus Smart.

And as Neurotic Guy says, it would be good to have someone who doesn't rely on the three-pointer so much.

Marcus Smart last shot 32% with the Celtics in Tatum?s rookie season. It is actually worse than Marcus.

I should have clarified.  DeRozan's 32.8 3pt % last year is better than Marcus Smart's career 32.4% 3pt %.

I should have compared apples-to-apples though.  Marcus shot 34.8% last year to Derozan's 32.8%. 


My point remaining, neither player needs to be a great three-point shooter if they have four other good shooters around them.

[Phantom255x]

Call me crazy but with Tatum sidelined for at least 2/3 of the next season at minimum, I wouldn?t be against adding Ben Simmons with the minimum if his market is that low.

With Tatum gone this team is going to need facilitators and Jaylen is not that. White and PP could be but that?s about it. And Simmons can offer defense as well. He can focus on facilitation and defense for stretches while the others can score too

If we were mostly healthy including Tatum obviously no, but in these circumstances and if his market is not there? Sure

[Roy H.]

Call me crazy but with Tatum sidelined for at least 2/3 of the next season at minimum, I wouldn?t be against adding Ben Simmons with the minimum if his market is that low.

With Tatum gone this team is going to need facilitators and Jaylen is not that. White and PP could be but that?s about it. And Simmons can offer defense as well. He can focus on facilitation and defense for stretches while the others can score too

If we were mostly healthy including Tatum obviously no, but in these circumstances and if his market is not there? Sure

I get it, but I want Simmons nowhere near the locker room.