Can we get Hibbert w/out losing Rondo?

[Rick Robeys Return]

So there is this report: <http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2014-07-06/nba-trade-rumors-roy-hibbert-indiana-pacers-larry-bird-lance-stephenson?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter> {Sorry cant figure out hyperlinks!]

"[A]ccording to multiple front-office sources, the Pacers have quietly sought out possible new landing spots for their enigmatic big man.“I would say they’ve been doing that, but quietly,” one front-office source said. The problem, of course, remains the two years and $30 million left on Hibbert’s contract, part of a max four-year deal he signed as a restricted free agent two summers ago. That is a weighty number for a guy who disappeared for long stretches in March and April, and continued to do so in the postseason, during which he averaged 9.3 points and 5.5 rebounds."

Would it be possible for the Cs to trade for Hibbert without losing Rondo? For example, C's give up Bass, Bogans, C. Babb. C. Johnson at approximately $14.5 mill. Pacers give up Hibbert at $15 mill

Why for the Pacers: They get major cap relief, by being able to immediately waive Bogans, Babb and Johnson for approx. $7.5 , and they get Bass as an upgrade and replacement for Scola on an expiring contract. This gives them flexibility to re-sign Lance Stephenson. If they prefer to take Vitor or Colton Iverson instead of Babb or Johnson, so be it....

Why for the Cs: we get the quintessential defensive big man on a two year contract only without giving up too much or losing flexibility for 2015/16, when Hibbert becomes expiring. The replacements for Babbs and Johnson are already on the summer league roster in Dairis Bertans and Mike Moser who we should be able to sign to comparable non-guaranteed contracts

Obviously, the viablity of this will depend on Larry Bird's assessment of Pacers immediate prospects for contending this year, how much they want to re-sign Stephenson etc. 

Not sure if I would add much to this, but if the Pacers also wanted a second rounder as sweetener....

[BudweiserCeltic]

No interest in Hibbert.

[hpantazo]

I'd go hard after Hibbert. This is the time to buy low on him. He's much better than what he showed last year. He was the defensive anchor in the middle and offensive threat in the post that we have been dreaming of when he lead the Pacers to within a game of beating Miami to reach the finals two years ago.

It will cost much more than salary relief though imo, but it would be worth it. Rumors are that he had some personal issues and can use a change of scenery. Much, much safer of a gamble than taking on Sanders imo, and Hibbert is a legit 7 ft plus big man. If we could get him without giving up Rondo, he would help the team in the long run more than getting Love would.

I'd try Bradley, Bass, and the sixers 1s/2 second rounders pick.

[knuckleballer]

no

[j804]

I would if we can keep Smart probably not Bradley but that would have been a feisty defense

[Who]

I think the Pacers will be willing to trade Hibbert for value but I do not think Indiana will trade Hibbert in salary dump. Need to offer an All-Star player in a position of need to tempt Indiana into trading.

Indiana are too good a team to just throw Hibbert away from 25c on the dollar. Too close to winning a Championship.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

I don't want Hibbert, even if we can hang on to Rondo. Hibbert's just not that good.

[Clench123]

Would really love to have him despite the abysmal performance he put on in the playoffs.

[Hawkeye199]

would hate to have hibbert we need to create a core of young guys thats what the finals have taught us

[86MaxwellSmart]

Either Hibbert has just "Lost" it---or the Indiana Bad Team Chemistry was a lot worse than everyone knew about---I just can't see why this guy just stopped being good--He just looked miserable on that team, right after they got Bynum.

I would definitely call Larry---and see what he wants.

[Celtics4ever]

I think Hibbert is a lot better than other of the other C's floated around here.   He is a better rim protector than Jordan Hill.   But he is not a top notch guy and will not be cheap.   I am intrigued by the idea.  I also do not see Larry doing it.

[PAOBoston]

I would definitely bite on Hibbert. 7'2'', 27 year old center, that has a low post game. I think he would fit very well on the Celtics and offer a presence in the middle and also help space the floor. The Celtics have legitimately no low post scorers/presence.  I know he's coming off a bad playoffs but i think he would be a good fit here and offer him a fresh start. He has 2 years left on his deal. But, I don't think Indy is just going to dump him though. Any deal with Hibbert would most likely have to involve Rondo in some way, shape or form.

[Smokeeye123]

I don't want Hibbert, even if we can hang on to Rondo. Hibbert's just not that good.

I completely agree. I want our roster to continue to be filled with Powerforwards and pointguards. If we could just have 7 pointguards and 8 powerforwards we would be championship bound. Other positions are overrated.

//end sarcasm

[Chief Macho]

vomit.

[Vermont Green]

I am not sure that we have the assets to pull it off but if we could and keep Rondo, I would do it.  I don't think the contract is that bad for us for the next couple of years and I think worst case is that we could restore his value and then trade him again for even more assets.

I don't see what we can offer though.  If the deal starts with things like Bass and Bogans, we would have to include draft picks.  Indiana does not seem to be at a place where future draft picks would be of value to them.  Maybe some kind of a 3 way where draft picks and young players from us go to another team with some players that would be useful to Indiana.