Trade Idea: Pierce, Melo, etc. For Howard

[samjones]

Unless Bynum agrees to sign an extension with Cleveland or Orlando, unlikely Orlando does the deal with the Lakers. If that falls through, Orlando has to make the best possible deal. Can the Celts put together the most attractive package based on their assets versus what other teams have to offer? How many other teams have a potentially good young center (albeit raw and unproven), the moxie to make this trade without a Howard extension, and matching salaries or are far enough under the cap to take on Howard's salary for a trade exception? I think the Celts could be players for Howard if they chose to be players.

[boscel33]

I have come full circle in Paul Pierce's career with the C's.  I used to be all about trading him, more because I didn't like the antics on court.  Now, you would have to floor me with a deal, but, if the Lakers came calling with a Bynum, I'd answer the phone.

[Kuberski33]

Honestly there's no way I want Howard anywhere near the Celtics.  He's out for Dwight Howard first and foremost and to me its impossible to build a team around someone like that. 

I could care less where he signs as long as its not here.  Frankly as talented as he is, I think the guy is a loser.

[eugen]

Honestly there's no way I want Howard anywhere near the Celtics.  He's out for Dwight Howard first and foremost and to me its impossible to build a team around someone like that. 

I could care less where he signs as long as its not here.  Frankly as talented as he is, I think the guy is a loser.

Folks. Around whom you are gonna built the future? Around Pierce 35 years old???

[samjones]

Thought this note by Sam Amick was interesting:
Before I duck out again, a Dwight Howard note: the Magic, I'm told, are hopeful that they can pull the trigger on a deal by early August. http://sulia.com/channel/basketball/f/f18e2272-8f07-421f-a1a8-8743ea5cdb2d/?source=twitter-
If the new CBA is like the old, rookie contracts may not be traded until 30 days after the contract was signed.
So the trade may be waiting on one-or-more rookie contracts to reach the date they can be traded.

[Celtics18]

You have to do that. Arguing PP should retire a C is one thing. Arguing about spacing and his marurity is beyond ridiculous. You win with great ayers and he's the 3rd best player in the league hands down.

That's not a "hands down" statement by a long shot.  At some point, you've got to take Dwight Howard's character issues into account when rating him as a player.  What he's been up to for the past year and a half really calls into question whether he's a guy that I would want on my team. 

[Geo123]

With so many young players like Melo, Sullinger and Bradley, plus future draft picks, and a matching salary piece in Pierce, what would be an acceptable price to gamble on Howard without an agreed-upon extension? Celts are loaded with assets.
The rookie contracts can't be traded immediately, but they can at some point. 30 days?
Or is Pierce untouchable?

Why do you think Orlando would EVER do this?  The answer is they won't

[samjones]

If you were Orlando, would you opt for:
A) an unsigned Bynum, who could leave for Dallas or Houston at the end of one year, or
B) building around 29-year old Varejao, or
C) young players and draft picks?
And option B seems to be out of the picture unless Bynum agrees to an extension with Cleveland. Bynum has to know that his best chance of staying in L.A. is to not sign an extension now unless it has a no-trade clause.
Imagine you could start with Bradley, Melo, and Sullinger, then find a way to trade Pierce for additional young players or draft picks. Orlando could have quite a head-start on a rebuilt young roster, plus the opportunity to add top-of-the-draft talent while their record suffers from playing too many young players. They follow the Oklahoma model of collecting numerous good young players and let them grow up together.

[LarBrd33]

Howard and J. Richardson

for

Pierce, Bradley, Sullinger, Melo, 2013 1st, 2013 2nd


I think I would do that even without an extension.  It would totally put Boston on Miami's level this year and with the change in rules regarding sign and trades, Boston has a lot more power in retaining Dwight next summer.

Extremely unlikely the Magic would do a Pierce-centered trade, but in general... it would make a ton of sense to do a Pierce-centered trade for Howard (from Boston's point of view... clearly not from Orlando's).  I'm still really confused on what Boston is doing right now.   Jeff Green shouldn't be playing PF, but 10 million a year is way too much money to be paying a backup SF.  I'm still really confused by that contract unless Ainge envisions Jeff as a long-term solution starting at SF.  In which case... is the plan to move Pierce to SG?  And if so... what does that mean to the other three shooting guards on this team (Bradley, Terry and Lee) all of which could arguably be starters.   It really doesn't make sense to me...  if you could succeed in moving Pierce + young players (Melo, Bradley, future 1sts, for example) it would be brilliant.  It would leave you with:

PG - Rondo
SG - Lee/Terry
SF - Jeff Green
PF - KG
C - Dwight
... players like Bass and Sullinger backing up.  I mean... that makes sense short-term and probably long-term.  Actually... moving Pierce and/or one of the shooting guards (probably Bradley) for a legitimate big to put next to KG (now)/Sullinger (future) makes a ton of sense... even if that big is someone like Al Jefferson or Josh Smith.

[pearljammer10]

Big no for the celtics... And Orlando will be rebuilding... What are they gonna do with a 35 year old making 16 mil a year?

[KGs Knee]

Has anybody bothered to think if the C's traded Pierce, kG night just say screw off Ainge, and flat retire in the spot?

KG is the highest paid player in the history of the NBA.  He doesn't need the money.  The truth is his homie.  Ride or die!

[Galeto]

This one is seriously embarrassing.

[tarheelsxxiii]

Good idea!

if you're drinking to get drunk

[tonyto3690]

Doesn't make sense for anyone.

Magic can get way more and way better than Pierce.
Howard won't resign with the Celtics


The only possible way the Celtics could have gotten Dwight is if they decided to tank this season,  not resign KG, and got Dwight in some miracle in FA.

[gpap]

With so many young players like Melo, Sullinger and Bradley, plus future draft picks, and a matching salary piece in Pierce, what would be an acceptable price to gamble on Howard without an agreed-upon extension? Celts are loaded with assets.
The rookie contracts can't be traded immediately, but they can at some point. 30 days?
Or is Pierce untouchable?

I would be all for it!