Pounding the Rock re: 2014 Trade Season

[PhoSita]

The fire sales solidify contenders

Throughout the offseason there were multiple trades that either created or strengthened contenders. The Celtics finally blew it up and that caused the Nets to appear as a legitimate threat in the East. The Suns went further into tank mode and disposed of Luis Scola, who should provide a nice scoring punch to the Pacers bench. They also surrendered a solid role-player in Jared Dudley while simultaneously facilitating the trade for J.J. Redick, which brought an unprecedented depth to the Clippers at the wing. Teams will absolutely bottom out on purpose, giving no regard to strengthening direct rivals because their timelines don't match.

The Suns were the first to liquidate their assets for pennies on the dollar, but I a lot of other teams might follow suit as the season progresses. That means that good players could likely be had for very, very little, especially if they fit the description of role guy on a mid-seized contract . Let's use the Magic as an example. They have no use for Glen Davis, Arron Afflalo and Jameer Nelson and they are surely aware that there won't be great offers for them. That means that a late first-rounder along with an expiring or a younger player makes for a great haul. The Sixers could even surrender a great young player like Thadeus Young simply because he's expensive and, at 25, doesn't fit their timeline.

Meanwhile, most of the contenders and fringe contenders seem to have that exact type of tradable assets. Losing a non-core player on an expiring contract (Matt Bonner, Jerryd Bayless, Kirk Hinrich, Shane Battier, etc.) and a late first-rounder to gain a rotation-level player is a no-brainer for teams on the contention bubble. Even better players from middle-of-the-pack teams could be had using young players with potential like Lance Stephenson, Reggie Jackson or Ed Davis as trade bait. If a team feels they're one piece away from contention, they could use such assets to take advantage of the fire sales going on among non-contenders without having to surrender much or take a huge risk.

This forecast written from the perspective of Spurs fans (over at Pounding the Rock) gives some credence to the idea that there may be a legitimate market for role players like Bass, Lee, and perhaps even Green or Wallace around the trade deadline.

The best case scenario for the Celtics would be if all of the contenders and fringe-contenders get into an arms race trying to upgrade their depth.

[LooseCannon]

I think it's going to be more of a buyer's market at the trade deadline.  There are going to be more teams in fire sale mode.  There might be enough talent around that the Celtics should consider being buyers rather than sellers if several teams are jettisoning useful assets for pennies on the dollar in an attempt to tank.

[wdleehi]

With the exceptions of Rondo and Green, I am fine with a late 1st and cap space coming sooner to the Celtics for the players.




Green, I want a higher pick and the Celtics might have to take back a smaller piece of cap trash.  (not cap trash that has the same cap number as Green)



Rondo, I want a true building block for the future.  Rondo is the only one the Celtics have so they better not make a move that doesn't replace that key. 

[slamtheking]

With the exceptions of Rondo and Green, I am fine with a late 1st and cap space coming sooner to the Celtics for the players.




Green, I want a higher pick and the Celtics might have to take back a smaller piece of cap trash.  (not cap trash that has the same cap number as Green)



Rondo, I want a true building block for the future.  Rondo is the only one the Celtics have so they better not make a move that doesn't replace that key.

This.