Do we still need to trade our expirings during the course of the season?

[TerreHaute]

If we can somehow get a young player that has proven some worth, I would do it. I don't think trading our expiring contracts hurts our depth this season very drastically, but using them could help our team as the starts age beyond their prime. I also realize getting that type of player is probably a longshot for the ones we currently have.

[lon3lytoaster]

At the deadline, you never know who's available from lesser teams. It's always more than possible to get a good rotation player for what we could offer a team wanting cap space.

I still hope Nocioni is on the radar.

[Drucci]

Thanks for the answers and the interesting informations I ignored. So basically, the most logical scenario for the C's would be to let the expirings... expire, to have more space during the summer. This scenario would change only in case of a major injury or of a big firesale from a desperate "Summer 2010" team in February. It will be interesting to see what happens, but man, it's good not to have needs right now!

[JSD]

I would love to see an expiring deal for Shane Battier.

[the_Bird]

I would love to see an expiring deal for Shane Battier.

Not a prayer in hell, dude, not a prayer in hell.

They seem to be trying to mold Ariza into something other than just a Battier clone, seems like they think they can play both guys.  Even if the team isn't successful, every other team in the league will be lining up to try and get Battier, Houston will be able to get a lot more than just cap relief for him.

[the_Bird]

Thanks for the answers and the interesting informations I ignored. So basically, the most logical scenario for the C's would be to let the expirings... expire, to have more space during the summer.

Not really.

Letting the expiring contracts expire does nothing to actually generate cap space.  It *might* make ownership more willing to spend the MLE next summer, but it'll be available to them regardless.  It's just a question of how MUCH payroll they're willing to spend. 

But, we'll still have the exact same amount of cap space ($0 ), we'll have the MLE, we will NOT be able to use the LLE, and we can sign guys to the vet min.  The other avenue will be sign-and-trades with our free agents that we don't want to keep, but I doubt the guys we're talking about letting go are going to sign next year for any more than the vet minimum (making S&T's moot).

[JSD]

I would love to see an expiring deal for Shane Battier.

Not a prayer in hell, dude, not a prayer in hell.

They seem to be trying to mold Ariza into something other than just a Battier clone, seems like they think they can play both guys.  Even if the team isn't successful, every other team in the league will be lining up to try and get Battier, Houston will be able to get a lot more than just cap relief for him.

I didn't say I see it happening, I would just love to see it. Rafer Alston is another guy I'd like to see Tony and Scal traded for with Scal returning after a buyout.

[Evantime34]

Until last night I didn't think so. Last night we needed more energy. I think Noccioni would be perfect for this team. He could play good defense and bring good energy on nights when we just don't have it, like last night.
Also the likelihood we sign Marquis back next year as our backup wing (or rather he chooses to sign with us) is not high. If we can trade for Nocioni he can step into the back up wing role next year.

[celticinorlando]

yes...package tony and JR for one more wing that can shoot and defend off the bench

[moiso]

I agree with Dark Lord- only if there is a season ending injury.  We really don't have any needs right now.  I like Battier and Nocioni too, but unless someone gets hurt, we don't need them.  Plus, we have Tyronne Lue around just in case, though i really don't want to see him suit up.

[wiley]

I must admit that I was still skeptical about our bench after the offseason, mainly because of our lack of a true point guard in the 2nd unit. But now, 5 games into the season and with great production from our bench, and Eddie feeling comfortable and freed thanks to Marquis, I'm just wondering if it would be necessary for the Celtics to trade the expirings contracts (let's say Tony and Scal) during the season or at the February deadline.

Yeah, I know we're just 5 games into the season and that the bench production could drop or that we could get some injuries. But let's assume that everybody stays healthy (crossing my fingers) and that the current bench (+ Baby and - Shelden) keeps being so productive : would you really feel the need for a real point guard, which would move Eddie to the 2, where he would be undersized?

Would you ever feel the need for bringing another bench player? If yes, at which spot?

I just think that the most logical move would be to bring a wing (I like Travis Outlaw), which would allow Ray and Paul to get even more rest. Then you have Eddie as the point guard, Marquis at the 2, and Outlaw at the 3. Travis wouldn't be assured of having a lot of playing time, especially in the playoffs, but you would have another reliable wing just in case. And his contract is expiring so it wouldn't hurt the Celtics' flexibility next summer.

What do you think? I must admit I'm wondering about it, because the bench is so good right now that I almost feel that we have all we need... even if there is still a little margin for improvement. But the more I think about it, the more I think that the C's would only trade their expirings if it made them acquire a player that they couldn't get in next summer's free agency. A player that would be useful now - and for the future.

If we knew everyone would stay healthy then I agree with you that a Travis Outlaw type (a 3 4  combo) would be the type to add.

But if we're trying to predict, protect against injury, I'd add another big who can block shots and intimidate (or defend).  If KG or Wallace miss any time in the playoffs, Baby and Sheldon will struggle against some of our post-season competition.  We're going to have to deal with th likes of D. Howard and Andrew Bynum, or Cleveland and then Denver or San Antonio's bigs.
I'm mainly concerned that if either Garnett or Wallace are limited by injury or absent, we could be done-in by the lack of an extra shot blocker/defender.  Probably unrealistic to land one, but that's my biggest concern at this point, our post-season big picture...last year on the brain:(

If Travis Outlaw could be thrown in at the 4 and expected to block a few shots or clog the lane and help out as a big, in other words, if he could be counted on for some decent defense in the absence of KG or Wallace, then I'd gladly take him for that role (as well as the above-mentioned insurance at the 3)

[jasail]

The C's do not have a hole to fill at this moment.  But come 2/10 if there are no major injuries it may be a good time to trade the expiring contracts for another wing with a year or two on their contract.  

This is not to take anything away from Quise, I give the man credit for playing his role as well as he has when half his role is not his position.  My feeling would be is that 2010 should be an interesting summer.  Teams opened up a lot of cap space and that may mean bad contracts, MLE players getting more than the MLE. My point being is that Quise and other MLE type players may be getting bigger $$$, leaving the C's with slim pickings.  

IMO I would try to use those chips to get a wing with a year or two on their deal to give us backup for the 2010-2011 season.  Or I would take back a bad, but manageable contract, and a younger wing that could contribute immediately from the bench and eventually step in as a starting wing allowing Ray to move to the 6th man role. The second scenario, admittedly being a bit of a long shot.  

On the other hand b/c the CBA is coming up and teams may be shedding payroll in fear of a lock out.  In which case the entire point that proceeds this argument, i.e. the expense of wings in 2010 due to increased cap flexibility and the sweepstakes psychology, is moot.  

[moiso]

I really don't think it would be easy to get Travis Outlaw.  Bo Outlaw, maybe.

[thebirdman]

Yes, for a back up SG/SF who can hit a three and defend a bit.

Raja Bell, Outlaw...

[cordialb]

I've been doing a lot of thinking about our expirings and next season myself lately.

Its funny, i had a dream/nightmare last night that i'm sure was caused by my 8 hours browsing around on celticsblog.  haha

Basically, i imagined Danny trading Ray Allen for Tayshaun Prince and Maxiel.  I kind of woke up and debated in my mind trying to debunk this master plan of danny's.  Instead, I came up with a handful of positives such as:

1.   Improved length and defense.  
2.   The cursed longer 'window of opportunity'.
3.   Another wing defensive stopper.
4.   Improved 'big' unit doc has been playing with of Quis, Paul, Prince, Garnett, Wallace/perk where teams have been putting their PGs on ray who is an average post threat, they would now have to choose between paul, quis, or prince.  All very adept post players.

Detroit gets an immediate starter who clears a LOT of salary off the books next season.

My love for Ray doesnt want anything like this to happen, and it sadly cost me an hour of sleep (i think i have a problem).  I really wouldnt change our team for the world.  Someone please tell me this wont happen to reassure myself further.

Having Danny in the front office is unsettling, while i think he has does a fantastic job, i know he wouldnt hesitate to pull the trigger on something regardless of opinion.  

I then daydreamed that perhaps they would buy out his contract and Ray could resign with us too.  Jeez, is there a way to set parental timers on celticsblog?  = p