Bill Simmons idea: JO+our two 2012 first round picks for Verajao

[Vermont Green]

who are you saving the cap space for next season?

I feel this way also.  I hate to conjure up an old cliche but Dwight Howard ain't walkin' through that door.  In terms of the trade, I think giving both picks is too much, maybe 1 first and a second or something but I don't see why Cle would do this.  That team looked good.  They played very good defense and Kyrie is a stud; even Bradley couldn't cover him.

They are on the fringe of the playoffs and have a chance to make the playoffs.  I don't seem them starting to tank already by trading one of their best players for nothing but mediocre draft picks.  If I was DA, I would certainly inquire though.

[StartOrien]

Ya, the more I think about it, the more I'm absolutely sold on this trade. It obviously helps this year, but more importantly - I think it helps our future take shape.

[pearljammer10]

I dont see them taking that deal.

[get_banners]

I'm glad Simmons isn't a GM

[Evantime34]

This next draft is going to be the best since the lebron draft, less superstars but more all stars. We can't be trading two big assets like that away for a player of sideshow's caliber.

Next year I can see us pushing hard for gordon, hibbert, mcgee, oden or using our cap space plus a first to get an established player. Then using our remaining picks to draft long athletic guys who can run to better suit a fast paced rondo lead team. I dont see varejao fitting in with that movement.

[jmei]

I think giving a max deal to a Gordon or Hibbert or (god forbid) McGee is the worst use of resources this team could commit to going forward. And the only deals those teams won't match are near-max deals. The only restricted free agent who has superstar potential is Gordon, but he's a major injury risk and has only played half a season at an elite level.

[snively]

I think Cleveland would have to fall well out of the playoff race for them to deal Varejao for that offer.

If they're an 8 seed around the deadline, they'll want to add productive pieces around Irving and Varejao, not expiring contracts and draft picks.

If they were willing, I'd go for it. 

[winsomme]

Cleveland has no reason to trade AV.

I think they do. CLE needs another big piece to add to Irving and with this loaded draft coming up I think they should look to get as many picks as possible.

Plus, if they trade Varejao they are definitely lottery bound themselves. That's three picks in  this upcoming draft.

Varejao isn't going to be part of the next wave of winning in CLE, so they should IMO consider cashing in on him now...

[winsomme]

the thing that I'm happy about is it seems that the general discussion is trending towards the recognition that the Cs could make a serious run in the playoffs with a legit center.

public pressure needs to be put on Danny to not let this season slip away because I think he is more concerned with the future and in danger of not giving this current squad the pieces it needs.

he seems so preoccupied with avoiding an 80s big three redo that I don't think he is seeing that this Big 3 has been incredibly resilient.

[freshinthehouse]

Out of all the terrible, terrible, terrible trades I've seen here over the past few years, this has to be the worst one I've seen. 

this.

[LarBrd33]

terrible idea... lets overpay for a 29 year old career role player when his stock as at an all-time high.  Stupid idea.  Boston needs to go in the opposite direction (dump players for assets) ... not chase an impossible title by cashing in the very few assets left for a short-term upgrade.

[chambers]

terrible idea... lets overpay for a 29 year old career role player when his stock as at an all-time high.  Stupid idea.  Boston needs to go in the opposite direction (dump players for assets) ... not chase an impossible title by cashing in the very few assets left for a short-term upgrade.

The argument is that for this team to have a real chance this year, we need a legitmate starting NBA center. If Kendrick Perkins is considered a legit starting NBA center, then Verajao should be. He is the league leader in offensive rebounds- I don't care what team you are on, that is enormous.

Secondly, the only 'assets' we have this year are two middle to late first round draft picks. Acquiring Verajao gives us the ability to make a serious run this year, whilst being able to use him to trade for assets next year.
Despite his 'overpaid' status in some eyes, he is actually not- $7 million is not overpaid for a 7 footer who can rebound, block and finish under the rim.
People wanted to pay Perkins 8-9 million per year and it's arguable that Verajao is much more valuable that Perkins to a contending team AND as a trade asset.
Look what an INJURED Perkins got us... Jeff Green, a first round pick AND Krstic.
Verajao could get us just as much if not more.
Think of these teams that are desperate for Howard that will be a contender next year. Only one of them will get Howard, meaning every other contender (Dallas, LAL, Miami, Philly) or any other team that needs an athletic big will be willing to give up A LOT for him.
If we got him for JO and two middle/late round picks it could be considered a steal considering what he could be worth once Howard is off the market.

Just because we take him on for a run this year, doesn't mean we are stuck with him if things don't work out.

You have correctly labeled Verajao a role player, but he is not overpaid (he is very reasonable), and you are seriously underestimating the effect he would have on our chances this year as well as his future worth in trading for a superstar or good first round picks.

[Kuberski1]

The problem I have is I can't quite get a handle on "how much" we need in order to close the gap between us and Miami/CHI.  At times, like the back to back wins against the Magic w/o Ray, Rondo, I think not too far.  Other times, like the absolute collapse against the Cavs, or the thrashing at home by the Thunder, I think we are what our record says we are...barely above 500. 

If we are truly just a 50-50 club, then AV won't put us over the top, putting aside the needed pieces to get him, and/or if CLE would even deal him.  My guess is Ainge feels the same way, and will take a more time to guage things before deciding whether to go all in for this year, or not.

[bfrombleacher]

Bad idea jeans! The two firsts are worth way more than ol'Bobby.

[2short]

The problem I have is I can't quite get a handle on "how much" we need in order to close the gap between us and Miami/CHI.  At times, like the back to back wins against the Magic w/o Ray, Rondo, I think not too far.  Other times, like the absolute collapse against the Cavs, or the thrashing at home by the Thunder, I think we are what our record says we are...barely above 500. 

If we are truly just a 50-50 club, then AV won't put us over the top, putting aside the needed pieces to get him, and/or if CLE would even deal him.  My guess is Ainge feels the same way, and will take a more time to guage things before deciding whether to go all in for this year, or not.
[/quote
agree, better to see how things work out, if wilcox was a stiff, kg was looking like earlier in season and jo was well jo then it would make sense
our offense looks good, defense looks amazing and we haven't had full team yet
those 2 picks are building blocks,not sure how much verajao would help, yes his rebounding and running the floor would be HUGE
center rotation, jermaine, kg, wilcox and a little steamer might be ok with the rest of team, our starters and first subs look GOOD