Centers that Boston can target this summer via trade

[BleedGreen1989]

Well we all know this team desperately needs size and although we're not landing Dwight Howard anytime soon I think there are some centers to be had around the NBA this summer.

1. Marcin Gortat: With PHX clearly in a rebuild and Gortat's contract expiring after this year, I think it is pretty [dang] certain that they move him before the deadline this year. The 29 year old averaged 11 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 52%. The Polish big man stands 6'11" 240 pounds and is fairly mobile for that size. With an annual salary of 7.2mill the contracts would not be difficult to match. A deal would certainly include at least one of Bradley and/or Sullinger. Would PHX accept a deal of Avery Bradley, Brandon Bass, and the 16th overall?

2. Anderson Varejao: similiar situation as PHX. With a rebuilding scenario the 29 year old center will likely be moved. Standing at 6'11" 260 pounds the Brazilian center put up a monster season last year with averages of 14 points and 14 rebounds. However, as is usually the case with Varejao, he put up those numbers by only appearing in 25 games and was finally outdone by a blood clot in his lung. Having only played in more than 80 games twice in his 9 year career injuries are always a concern when dealing with Varejao. With CLE being locked up at the PG, SG, and PF position the only player I can see them having interest in is Jeff Green. Does a swap of Jeff Green and Anderson Varejao interest CLE?

3. Demarcus Cousins: Perhaps the least likely scenario I knew somebody would bring it up if I left him off the list. A walking enigma at 6' 11" and 270 pounds Demarcus is still just 22 years old and oozes with talent and upside. With the tools to become possibly the best center in the NBA, all Demarcus seems to do is get in trouble. Suspended more than a couple times in last season alone many are wondering if his talent is worth the constant headache. Still being on his rookie contract, salaries are tough to match in a Demarcus deal. Most deals I've seen include virtually a swap of rosters and us becoming the Boston Kings and Savremento Celtics respectively. Any deal would certainly have to include our best player in Rondo. Does a deal of Rondo, Bradley, Sullinger, and two 1st round picks interest SAC?

4. Kosta Koufos: Somewhat of an under-the-radar type player Koufos is a blue collar center who stands at 7' 265 pounds and still just 24 years old. He may have approached his ceiling but with averages of 8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in only 22 minutes a game Koufos would be a welcomed addition to any NBA team. With Denver committing over 44 million dollars in Javale McGee, Koufos is clearly not the center of the future in Denver. Despite starting nearly every game for Denver in the regular season, COY George Carl pulled Koufos from the starting line up in favor of McGee. On a very reasonable 3mill a year for 2 more years Koufos could be had without a large financial investment as this stage. Tough to tell who George Carl would have interest in but does a deal of Avery Bradley/filler contract interest DEN?

5. Ian Mahinmi: With Roy Hibbert locked down in IND, Mahinmi is destined to be a back up as long as he calls Indiana home. Standing at 6'11 230 lbs Mahinmi is known as a defensive specialist. With solid athleticism and an impressive wing span, Mahinmi is an ideal basket protector in the NBA. Fresh off of signing a 4 year/16 mill contract matching salaries would not be very difficult. With a glaring need at SG position, Courtney Lee may fit into IND defense first philosophy and offer them solid depth at the position. Would a deal of Courtney Lee/Fab Melo interest IND?



Thanks for the read guys! Tried to remain as unbiased as possible.

[Evantime34]

Well we all know this team desperately needs size and although we're not landing Dwight Howard anytime soon I think there are some centers to be had around the NBA this summer.

1. Marcin Gortat: With PHX clearly in a rebuild and Gortat's contract expiring after this year, I think it is pretty [dang] certain that they move him before the deadline this year. The 29 year old averaged 11 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 52%. The Polish big man stands 6'11" 240 pounds and is fairly mobile for that size. With an annual salary of 7.2mill the contracts would not be difficult to match. A deal would certainly include at least one of Bradley and/or Sullinger. Would PHX accept a deal of Avery Bradley, Brandon Bass, and the 16th overall?

2. Anderson Varejao: similiar situation as PHX. With a rebuilding scenario the 29 year old center will likely be moved. Standing at 6'11" 260 pounds the Brazilian center put up a monster season last year with averages of 14 points and 14 rebounds. However, as is usually the case with Varejao, he put up those numbers by only appearing in 25 games and was finally outdone by a blood clot in his lung. Having only played in more than 80 games twice in his 9 year career injuries are always a concern when dealing with Varejao. With CLE being locked up at the PG, SG, and PF position the only player I can see them having interest in is Jeff Green. Does a swap of Jeff Green and Anderson Varejao interest CLE?

3. Demarcus Cousins: Perhaps the least likely scenario I knew somebody would bring it up if I left him off the list. A walking enigma at 6' 11" and 270 pounds Demarcus is still just 22 years old and oozes with talent and upside. With the tools to become possibly the best center in the NBA, all Demarcus seems to do is get in trouble. Suspended more than a couple times in last season alone many are wondering if his talent is worth the constant headache. Still being on his rookie contract, salaries are tough to match in a Demarcus deal. Most deals I've seen include virtually a swap of rosters and us becoming the Boston Kings and Savremento Celtics respectively. Any deal would certainly have to include our best player in Rondo. Does a deal of Rondo, Bradley, Sullinger, and two 1st round picks interest SAC?

4. Kosta Koufos: Somewhat of an under-the-radar type player Koufos is a blue collar center who stands at 7' 265 pounds and still just 24 years old. He may have approached his ceiling but with averages of 8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in only 22 minutes a game Koufos would be a welcomed addition to any NBA team. With Denver committing over 44 million dollars in Javale McGee, Koufos is clearly not the center of the future in Denver. Despite starting nearly every game for Denver in the regular season, COY George Carl pulled Koufos from the starting line up in favor of McGee. On a very reasonable 3mill a year for 2 more years Koufos could be had without a large financial investment as this stage. Tough to tell who George Carl would have interest in but does a deal of Avery Bradley/filler contract interest DEN?

5. Ian Mahinmi: With Roy Hibbert locked down in IND, Mahinmi is destined to be a back up as long as he calls Indiana home. Standing at 6'11 230 lbs Mahinmi is known as a defensive specialist. With solid athleticism and an impressive wing span, Mahinmi is an ideal basket protector in the NBA. Fresh off of signing a 4 year/16 mill contract matching salaries would not be very difficult. With a glaring need at SG position, Courtney Lee may fit into IND defense first philosophy and offer them solid depth at the position. Would a deal of Courtney Lee/Fab Melo interest IND?



Thanks for the read guys! Tried to remain as unbiased as possible.

Great job. It's always tough to think up trades and you suggested five!

I would add Nikola Pekovic. The Wolves probably would need to go into luxury tax land to resign him (restricted free agent) Lee a first and the 3 non guaranteed guys could give the Wolves a wing starter, some cap relief and a prospect to improve their team.

[Boris Badenov]

Well we all know this team desperately needs size and although we're not landing Dwight Howard anytime soon I think there are some centers to be had around the NBA this summer.

1. Marcin Gortat: With PHX clearly in a rebuild and Gortat's contract expiring after this year, I think it is pretty [dang] certain that they move him before the deadline this year. The 29 year old averaged 11 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 52%. The Polish big man stands 6'11" 240 pounds and is fairly mobile for that size. With an annual salary of 7.2mill the contracts would not be difficult to match. A deal would certainly include at least one of Bradley and/or Sullinger. Would PHX accept a deal of Avery Bradley, Brandon Bass, and the 16th overall?

2. Anderson Varejao: similiar situation as PHX. With a rebuilding scenario the 29 year old center will likely be moved. Standing at 6'11" 260 pounds the Brazilian center put up a monster season last year with averages of 14 points and 14 rebounds. However, as is usually the case with Varejao, he put up those numbers by only appearing in 25 games and was finally outdone by a blood clot in his lung. Having only played in more than 80 games twice in his 9 year career injuries are always a concern when dealing with Varejao. With CLE being locked up at the PG, SG, and PF position the only player I can see them having interest in is Jeff Green. Does a swap of Jeff Green and Anderson Varejao interest CLE?

3. Demarcus Cousins: Perhaps the least likely scenario I knew somebody would bring it up if I left him off the list. A walking enigma at 6' 11" and 270 pounds Demarcus is still just 22 years old and oozes with talent and upside. With the tools to become possibly the best center in the NBA, all Demarcus seems to do is get in trouble. Suspended more than a couple times in last season alone many are wondering if his talent is worth the constant headache. Still being on his rookie contract, salaries are tough to match in a Demarcus deal. Most deals I've seen include virtually a swap of rosters and us becoming the Boston Kings and Savremento Celtics respectively. Any deal would certainly have to include our best player in Rondo. Does a deal of Rondo, Bradley, Sullinger, and two 1st round picks interest SAC?

4. Kosta Koufos: Somewhat of an under-the-radar type player Koufos is a blue collar center who stands at 7' 265 pounds and still just 24 years old. He may have approached his ceiling but with averages of 8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in only 22 minutes a game Koufos would be a welcomed addition to any NBA team. With Denver committing over 44 million dollars in Javale McGee, Koufos is clearly not the center of the future in Denver. Despite starting nearly every game for Denver in the regular season, COY George Carl pulled Koufos from the starting line up in favor of McGee. On a very reasonable 3mill a year for 2 more years Koufos could be had without a large financial investment as this stage. Tough to tell who George Carl would have interest in but does a deal of Avery Bradley/filler contract interest DEN?

5. Ian Mahinmi: With Roy Hibbert locked down in IND, Mahinmi is destined to be a back up as long as he calls Indiana home. Standing at 6'11 230 lbs Mahinmi is known as a defensive specialist. With solid athleticism and an impressive wing span, Mahinmi is an ideal basket protector in the NBA. Fresh off of signing a 4 year/16 mill contract matching salaries would not be very difficult. With a glaring need at SG position, Courtney Lee may fit into IND defense first philosophy and offer them solid depth at the position. Would a deal of Courtney Lee/Fab Melo interest IND?



Thanks for the read guys! Tried to remain as unbiased as possible.

TP. Interesting ideas, well thought-out and not totally one-sided in the Celts' favor as so many proposals on this board are.

I actually think we could get Cousins for less. Rondo is really attractive to a team like SAC, which has no chance of signing/retaining a marquee player on its own.

He would fill seats, which is critical for them with all the debate about whether they can be viable financially in SAC.

[CFAN38]

good list,

I think all of them except for Ian Mahinmi will require the celtics to give up to much in a trade. At this point with or without KG and PP back the Cs need to gather assets its to early to consolidate talent.

[kozlodoev]

Ian Mahinmi is destined to be a backup -- but that's not because of Hibbert, it's pretty much because he's not good enough to be a starter.

[BleedGreen1989]

Ian Mahinmi is destined to be a backup -- but that's not because of Hibbert, it's pretty much because he's not good enough to be a starter.

True, he is absolutely more of a role player but I put him on the list regardless.

[wdleehi]

Way to much for Cousins.

[BleedGreen1989]

Way to much for Cousins.

Yea it probably is. The deals were not really deals I would do but rather trying to asses value.

[gpap]

Don't forget JJ Hickson. He had a monster year this year and can likely be had for the MLE.

Decent athletic big, just what the Celtics need!

[fandrew]

Well we all know this team desperately needs size and although we're not landing Dwight Howard anytime soon I think there are some centers to be had around the NBA this summer.

1. Marcin Gortat: With PHX clearly in a rebuild and Gortat's contract expiring after this year, I think it is pretty [dang] certain that they move him before the deadline this year. The 29 year old averaged 11 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 52%. The Polish big man stands 6'11" 240 pounds and is fairly mobile for that size. With an annual salary of 7.2mill the contracts would not be difficult to match. A deal would certainly include at least one of Bradley and/or Sullinger. Would PHX accept a deal of Avery Bradley, Brandon Bass, and the 16th overall?

2. Anderson Varejao: similiar situation as PHX. With a rebuilding scenario the 29 year old center will likely be moved. Standing at 6'11" 260 pounds the Brazilian center put up a monster season last year with averages of 14 points and 14 rebounds. However, as is usually the case with Varejao, he put up those numbers by only appearing in 25 games and was finally outdone by a blood clot in his lung. Having only played in more than 80 games twice in his 9 year career injuries are always a concern when dealing with Varejao. With CLE being locked up at the PG, SG, and PF position the only player I can see them having interest in is Jeff Green. Does a swap of Jeff Green and Anderson Varejao interest CLE?

3. Demarcus Cousins: Perhaps the least likely scenario I knew somebody would bring it up if I left him off the list. A walking enigma at 6' 11" and 270 pounds Demarcus is still just 22 years old and oozes with talent and upside. With the tools to become possibly the best center in the NBA, all Demarcus seems to do is get in trouble. Suspended more than a couple times in last season alone many are wondering if his talent is worth the constant headache. Still being on his rookie contract, salaries are tough to match in a Demarcus deal. Most deals I've seen include virtually a swap of rosters and us becoming the Boston Kings and Savremento Celtics respectively. Any deal would certainly have to include our best player in Rondo. Does a deal of Rondo, Bradley, Sullinger, and two 1st round picks interest SAC?

4. Kosta Koufos: Somewhat of an under-the-radar type player Koufos is a blue collar center who stands at 7' 265 pounds and still just 24 years old. He may have approached his ceiling but with averages of 8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in only 22 minutes a game Koufos would be a welcomed addition to any NBA team. With Denver committing over 44 million dollars in Javale McGee, Koufos is clearly not the center of the future in Denver. Despite starting nearly every game for Denver in the regular season, COY George Carl pulled Koufos from the starting line up in favor of McGee. On a very reasonable 3mill a year for 2 more years Koufos could be had without a large financial investment as this stage. Tough to tell who George Carl would have interest in but does a deal of Avery Bradley/filler contract interest DEN?

5. Ian Mahinmi: With Roy Hibbert locked down in IND, Mahinmi is destined to be a back up as long as he calls Indiana home. Standing at 6'11 230 lbs Mahinmi is known as a defensive specialist. With solid athleticism and an impressive wing span, Mahinmi is an ideal basket protector in the NBA. Fresh off of signing a 4 year/16 mill contract matching salaries would not be very difficult. With a glaring need at SG position, Courtney Lee may fit into IND defense first philosophy and offer them solid depth at the position. Would a deal of Courtney Lee/Fab Melo interest IND?



Thanks for the read guys! Tried to remain as unbiased as possible.

Great job. It's always tough to think up trades and you suggested five!

I would add Nikola Pekovic. The Wolves probably would need to go into luxury tax land to resign him (restricted free agent) Lee a first and the 3 non guaranteed guys could give the Wolves a wing starter, some cap relief and a prospect to improve their team.

I was also thinking Nikola Pekovic too. but I don't know know that the Wolves would lose him for that.

Also, I think that Al Jefferson is reasonable, considering that he ended the year somewhat poorly with the Jazz. I think that our needs fit him pretty well, and maybe in a three team deal we could pick him up and one of the many PGs (JJ Barea) that the wolves have as a backup for Rondo.

Also is Dalembert on the market this summer? I would try to grab him in a heartbeat. Decent scoring, and great defense, for probably reasonable money.

[BleedGreen1989]

Well we all know this team desperately needs size and although we're not landing Dwight Howard anytime soon I think there are some centers to be had around the NBA this summer.

1. Marcin Gortat: With PHX clearly in a rebuild and Gortat's contract expiring after this year, I think it is pretty [dang] certain that they move him before the deadline this year. The 29 year old averaged 11 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 52%. The Polish big man stands 6'11" 240 pounds and is fairly mobile for that size. With an annual salary of 7.2mill the contracts would not be difficult to match. A deal would certainly include at least one of Bradley and/or Sullinger. Would PHX accept a deal of Avery Bradley, Brandon Bass, and the 16th overall?

2. Anderson Varejao: similiar situation as PHX. With a rebuilding scenario the 29 year old center will likely be moved. Standing at 6'11" 260 pounds the Brazilian center put up a monster season last year with averages of 14 points and 14 rebounds. However, as is usually the case with Varejao, he put up those numbers by only appearing in 25 games and was finally outdone by a blood clot in his lung. Having only played in more than 80 games twice in his 9 year career injuries are always a concern when dealing with Varejao. With CLE being locked up at the PG, SG, and PF position the only player I can see them having interest in is Jeff Green. Does a swap of Jeff Green and Anderson Varejao interest CLE?

3. Demarcus Cousins: Perhaps the least likely scenario I knew somebody would bring it up if I left him off the list. A walking enigma at 6' 11" and 270 pounds Demarcus is still just 22 years old and oozes with talent and upside. With the tools to become possibly the best center in the NBA, all Demarcus seems to do is get in trouble. Suspended more than a couple times in last season alone many are wondering if his talent is worth the constant headache. Still being on his rookie contract, salaries are tough to match in a Demarcus deal. Most deals I've seen include virtually a swap of rosters and us becoming the Boston Kings and Savremento Celtics respectively. Any deal would certainly have to include our best player in Rondo. Does a deal of Rondo, Bradley, Sullinger, and two 1st round picks interest SAC?

4. Kosta Koufos: Somewhat of an under-the-radar type player Koufos is a blue collar center who stands at 7' 265 pounds and still just 24 years old. He may have approached his ceiling but with averages of 8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in only 22 minutes a game Koufos would be a welcomed addition to any NBA team. With Denver committing over 44 million dollars in Javale McGee, Koufos is clearly not the center of the future in Denver. Despite starting nearly every game for Denver in the regular season, COY George Carl pulled Koufos from the starting line up in favor of McGee. On a very reasonable 3mill a year for 2 more years Koufos could be had without a large financial investment as this stage. Tough to tell who George Carl would have interest in but does a deal of Avery Bradley/filler contract interest DEN?

5. Ian Mahinmi: With Roy Hibbert locked down in IND, Mahinmi is destined to be a back up as long as he calls Indiana home. Standing at 6'11 230 lbs Mahinmi is known as a defensive specialist. With solid athleticism and an impressive wing span, Mahinmi is an ideal basket protector in the NBA. Fresh off of signing a 4 year/16 mill contract matching salaries would not be very difficult. With a glaring need at SG position, Courtney Lee may fit into IND defense first philosophy and offer them solid depth at the position. Would a deal of Courtney Lee/Fab Melo interest IND?



Thanks for the read guys! Tried to remain as unbiased as possible.

Great job. It's always tough to think up trades and you suggested five!

I would add Nikola Pekovic. The Wolves probably would need to go into luxury tax land to resign him (restricted free agent) Lee a first and the 3 non guaranteed guys could give the Wolves a wing starter, some cap relief and a prospect to improve their team.

I was also thinking Nikola Pekovic too. but I don't know know that the Wolves would lose him for that.

Also, I think that Al Jefferson is reasonable, considering that he ended the year somewhat poorly with the Jazz. I think that our needs fit him pretty well, and maybe in a three team deal we could pick him up and one of the many PGs (JJ Barea) that the wolves have as a backup for Rondo.

Also is Dalembert on the market this summer? I would try to grab him in a heartbeat. Decent scoring, and great defense, for probably reasonable money.

Yea Dalembert is available but I was only looking I'd trades. I think Danny should call Dalembert at 12:01 on free agent day

[StartOrien]

There's a rumor out there that the Kings are looking to target Monta Ellis. So my guess is that in 6 months of time DMC will be undergoing his homicide trial.

[Who]

(1) I don't think Bradley and the #16 pick is enough to get Gortat out of Phoenix. I think it would need to be Jeff Green. Maybe a chance of Sullinger + #16 pick but I don't think Bradley has any shot at being the main piece in the deal.

(2) I think J.Green for Varejao is a good offer and one Cleveland could have interest in.

(3) Rondo for Cousins is a fair offer. Not sure whether Sacramento/Seattle would have any interest in it though. Hard to tell what that new ownership is going to do.

(4) I wouldn't give up A.Bradley for Koufos. Koufos is not good enough. A strong backup center but nothing more.

(5) Lance Stephenson has done reasonably well for Indiana. Particularly in the playoffs. Doubtful Courtney Lee will be seen as much of an upgrade. I expect that backup center position will be viewed as more important to Indiana due to Hibbert's inability to play long minutes than a marginal upgrade at SG. I think you would have to pay more to get Mahinmi.

[Monkhouse]

Pekovic/Dalembert/Gortat seem like the only cheap reasonable options.

Other than that we would have to package alot in order to get any of the bigs mentioned.

I don't know why any of the users on Celticsblog are so pressed on Varejao.. Sure he was dominant, but his body is so fragile, its hard to imagine a season with Varejao ever healthy.

[LatterDayCelticsfan]

NO Mosgov! Why I oughta...Ok those options seen good If we can get the other teams to swing on a trade. Thing is I get the chills every time I see Bradley shopped, even on a speculative fan forum. He's so special