Looking at ESPN's recent article on free agents, if there was some way to sign and/or trade for both Porzingis and Anfernee Simons (the article says basically no one is getting over 15MM except for restricted free agents) would we be happy with that?
In 10 games this past March Porzingis averaged 24mpg, 18.2ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.3bpg. So what if he's figured out a way to manage his illness?
I'd take that from a starter, and plug Queta in to the remaining 24mpg.
As for Simons, we did really well with a no-conscience shooter who was a walking bucket at times. Tatum/Brown need that kind of player on the floor late in games.
If he really can't get anything more than the MLE, would he consider coming back to the C's?
I would be happy with that.
We need a 3rd guard behind Pritchard & D White. Simons did well in the role. I'd be happy to have him back.
Porzingis I'd be nervous about but willing to take the risk. It looks like he is progressing. Still not dependable ... but improving. He looked most of the time when he played for GSW late last season. Missed a lot of games though.
I'd also be happy with a lesser center who will just defend & rebound like D Gafford instead of Porzingis. I'd see that as a very good summer for the Celtics. Gafford & A Simons.
G: Pritchard, A Simons
G: D White, Baylor
F: Jaylen, Hugo
F: Tatum, J Walsh
C: Queta, Porzingis / Gafford
Gafford would be great. But we'd need to trade for him. And also, does he play center?
Oh my mistake. I thought he was a free agent. That is why I kept mentioning him. I expected him to get MLE money if a FA. But he is under contract. He signed a long term deal. 3 years at $17-19mil per season. Pricy for a backup center.
He would fit in the TPE if Dallas was looking to move him. Maybe a 1st and the TPE for Gafford. Let Dallas cut salary. Sign A Simons to the MLE. Move Hauser to try and keep below the luxury tax threshold they are trying to avoid.
Yes, he plays center. D Lively was the starting center, Gafford the bench center. The 2 of them gave DAL 48min a night of quality center play. A 1-2 punch of Queta & Gafford could do the same here.
