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.
I do Rondo for Cousins and Evans. Rondo is on a great contract and can be a lure for other players for them. Evans does not seem to be part of their core future.
Id then draft Dennis Schroeder with our 16th pick. People also must remember that the Kings could concievaby draft Alex Len with their pick this year and really not lose that much.
They'd have Thompson, Rondo, Len (or Otto Porter) and really have a nice core.
We could do...
Schroeder
Evans
Green
Garnett
Cousins
Have Pierce come off the bench and trade bradley for a higher pick and take Shabazz as an impact scorer.
Sounds good to me
Topic: Centers that Boston can target this summer via trade (Read 16933 times)