So what exactly are the options to trim the roster to 15

[Celtics4ever]

Sully was playing really well before his injury and was pretty productive in the 20mpg he got post-injury in the playoffs.

Not on defense, not shooting wise, but I agree I do not see him being cut.

[BornReady]

I think ainge wants to see how jones does
As he obviously has the most potential out of all our players

Looking at our depth chart
U have to go with a big either at C or PF as each of them seem interchangeable 
zeller- solid big man
olynyk- hasn't progressed much, will likely be a bench level big
Lee - can't trade because of price and GSW probably tried shopping him already
Johnson - just got here
Sully- weight and conditioning issues, injuries, ainge seem disappointed in his progress 
Mickey - just drafted
Jones - elite athleticism and physical tools, lacked playing time in okc, already paid for with okc cash considerations in trade

From this I think it could be between jones, sully, olynyk and Zeller
Ainge waives jones if he doesn't do well in training camp and if no trades can be made

Out of all the players I would trade turner because he take playmaking touches from smart and don't see him living up to the 2nd pick hype
He would do well in a bench role possibly
From a team that's bench needs a shot creator to create offense

[Granath]

Jesus guys, this isn't that hard.

PJIII is going to get a long look in camp. What he does there will then dictate the next move, which is one of two things:

(1) He doesn't impress and is cut.
(2) He impresses in camp and Ainge trades either Turner (most likely) or Olynyk, both of whom have easily movable contracts.

Done!

[greece66]

Jesus guys, this isn't that hard.

PJIII is going to get a long look in camp. What he does there will then dictate the next move, which is one of two things:

(1) He doesn't impress and is cut.
(2) He impresses in camp and Ainge trades either Turner (most likely) or Olynyk, both of whom have easily movable contracts.

Done!

[Big333223]

Jesus guys, this isn't that hard.

PJIII is going to get a long look in camp. What he does there will then dictate the next move, which is one of two things:

(1) He doesn't impress and is cut.
(2) He impresses in camp and Ainge trades either Turner (most likely) or Olynyk, both of whom have easily movable contracts.

Done!

Yeah, basically. I think there are other guys on the roster that could be traded as well but that depends mostly in what the return on the trade is.

[Jon]

I still wouldn't rule out cutting Evan Turner. 

I still think the far more likely option is to cut PJ3; however, if PJ3 impresses and Danny can't find a useful 2 for 1 deal, then I'd consider cutting Evan Turner if we can't trade him for a pick.

Again, it's not an ideal situation.  However, if PJ3 impresses and we can't find a deal that actually helps the team, Turner probably represents the player on this team that has the least upside and the smallest chance of being part of the future. 

And before someone tells that there are tons of 2 for 1 deals out there that Danny can make, let me ask you this question: why hasn't he made them yet?  And I'm not talking about Sully and Turner for a second round pick and a bum.  I'm talking about trades that would actually help this team. 

[JBcat]

Jesus guys, this isn't that hard.

PJIII is going to get a long look in camp. What he does there will then dictate the next move, which is one of two things:

(1) He doesn't impress and is cut.
(2) He impresses in camp and Ainge trades either Turner (most likely) or Olynyk, both of whom have easily movable contracts.

Done!

Yeah, basically. I think there are other guys on the roster that could be traded as well but that depends mostly in what the return on the trade is.

If a trade is made I don't think it will occur until the preseason games start.  We are dealing with a position of strength with our depth, and another team with less depth may overpay a little hopefully once injuries happen, and they are desperate.

[Big333223]

Jesus guys, this isn't that hard.

PJIII is going to get a long look in camp. What he does there will then dictate the next move, which is one of two things:

(1) He doesn't impress and is cut.
(2) He impresses in camp and Ainge trades either Turner (most likely) or Olynyk, both of whom have easily movable contracts.

Done!

Yeah, basically. I think there are other guys on the roster that could be traded as well but that depends mostly in what the return on the trade is.

If a trade is made I don't think it will occur until the preseason games start.  We are dealing with a position of strength with our depth, and another team with less depth may overpay a little hopefully once injuries happen, and they are desperate.

I don't agree with that. Any team they're trading with will know the Celtics need to get rid of someone one way or the other or cut someone for nothing. That's not a position of strength for the C's.

[MJohnnyboy]

I still wouldn't rule out cutting Evan Turner. 

I still think the far more likely option is to cut PJ3; however, if PJ3 impresses and Danny can't find a useful 2 for 1 deal, then I'd consider cutting Evan Turner if we can't trade him for a pick.

Again, it's not an ideal situation.  However, if PJ3 impresses and we can't find a deal that actually helps the team, Turner probably represents the player on this team that has the least upside and the smallest chance of being part of the future. 

And before someone tells that there are tons of 2 for 1 deals out there that Danny can make, let me ask you this question: why hasn't he made them yet?  And I'm not talking about Sully and Turner for a second round pick and a bum.  I'm talking about trades that would actually help this team.

I agree Turner doesn't have much upside but I'm pretty sure the Celtics could at the very least give him to another team for free as opposed to having to pay his salary to stay off the team. His contracts not that expensive and he's expiring, which should appeal to any team looking for another guard. I think the Celtics could get atleast a 2nd-rounder or 2 for him much like Philly did in 2014 but that's just my opinion. He also proved last year that he can be a rotation player on a good team as long as he's used correctly. Someone who I could see the Celtics trading Turner to is Utah. They lost their starting point guard and need a replacement because they don't want Trey Burke starting for them. Turner could be their temporary replacement at point guard because he may not be as good as Exum defensively but he's a better playmaker.

To answer your question, it's simple. Nobody is available other than Markieff Morris, who I don't think the Celtics want. Or atleast no one who Danny wants is available. Also, the reason why no deals have been made is because we don't know what the rotation is going to look like until the pre-season. Unless Danny gets an offer he can't refuse, I don't see him making any deals until he knows for sure what the team's rotation is going to be.

[JBcat]

Jesus guys, this isn't that hard.

PJIII is going to get a long look in camp. What he does there will then dictate the next move, which is one of two things:

(1) He doesn't impress and is cut.
(2) He impresses in camp and Ainge trades either Turner (most likely) or Olynyk, both of whom have easily movable contracts.

Done!

Yeah, basically. I think there are other guys on the roster that could be traded as well but that depends mostly in what the return on the trade is.

If a trade is made I don't think it will occur until the preseason games start.  We are dealing with a position of strength with our depth, and another team with less depth may overpay a little hopefully once injuries happen, and they are desperate.

I don't agree with that. Any team they're trading with will know the Celtics need to get rid of someone one way or the other or cut someone for nothing. That's not a position of strength for the C's.

IMO we can simply cut Jones as a last result which is no huge loss up to this point.

[Rosco917]

I can't see just dumping Sully before we see what his conditioning has done to his game.

Don't forget Lee is gone next year, he's 32 and looking forward to free agency. If we trade Sully, and he turns into a 17 and 10 guy, and yes a conditioned Sully with his head on straight could do it, we shot ourselves in the foot. Now matter what you think of him, he's young and has more upside.

The problem is both Lee and Sully will be looking for big minutes this year, because they're both free agents.
We have 3 other PF's looking for minutes. I would like to see Mickey get a good look, plus KO needs minutes, plus JJ is another.

Honestly, Lee is a guy that may get us another playoff appearance, he scores well, but long term, why did we get this guy again?

[MJohnnyboy]

I can't see just dumping Sully before we see what his conditioning has done to his game.

Don't forget Lee is gone next year, he's 32 and looking forward to free agency. If we trade Sully, and he turns into a 17 and 10 guy, and yes a conditioned Sully with his head on straight could do it, we shot ourselves in the foot. Now matter what you think of him, he's young and has more upside.

The problem is both Lee and Sully will be looking for big minutes this year, because they're both free agents.
We have 3 other PF's looking for minutes. I would like to see Mickey get a good look, plus KO needs minutes, plus JJ is another.

Honestly, Lee is a guy that may get us another playoff appearance, he scores well, but long term, why did we get this guy again?

A few reasons:

1. We got him so that the Celtics would atleast get something out of an overpaid expiring contract. They wouldn't have gotten anything out of Wallace. Lee atleast is going to provide something for what he's paid.

2. if a superstar suddenly goes on the market, Lee's contract could be exchanged with anyone to match a salary that the usual superstar makes because he'll make $15 million this year.

3. I thought the Lee acquisition was Danny basically telling Sullinger to get his act together. By getting someone like Lee, Sully will be motivated to prove to the Celtics that he is their long term option at the power forward by getting and staying in shape to compete for minutes. We know that Sully has potential, but the question is does he want to reach it? If Sully does play in shape for the season, then he either becomes the Celtics 4 of the future that we pegged him to be or he'll be an attractive trade chip for someone better.

I 100% agree that Sully can be a great player, but his weight has definitely been a big issue. I think what's played a role in his issues is the losing. Until the all-star break this year, the Celtics were losing more than they were winning despite Sully's efforts. Losing game after game despite doing your best can ruin your psyche as a player. Now that he's on a team that has a better shot at winning, I think he'll have a better attitude towards the game, but that's just me being an optimist.

[Rosco917]

I can't see just dumping Sully before we see what his conditioning has done to his game.

Don't forget Lee is gone next year, he's 32 and looking forward to free agency. If we trade Sully, and he turns into a 17 and 10 guy, and yes a conditioned Sully with his head on straight could do it, we shot ourselves in the foot. Now matter what you think of him, he's young and has more upside.

The problem is both Lee and Sully will be looking for big minutes this year, because they're both free agents.
We have 3 other PF's looking for minutes. I would like to see Mickey get a good look, plus KO needs minutes, plus JJ is another.

Honestly, Lee is a guy that may get us another playoff appearance, he scores well, but long term, why did we get this guy again?

A few reasons:

1. We got him so that the Celtics would atleast get something out of an overpaid expiring contract. They wouldn't have gotten anything out of Wallace. Lee atleast is going to provide something for what he's paid.

2. if a superstar suddenly goes on the market, Lee's contract could be exchanged with anyone to match a salary that the usual superstar makes because he'll make $15 million this year.

3. I thought the Lee acquisition was Danny basically telling Sullinger to get his act together. By getting someone like Lee, Sully will be motivated to prove to the Celtics that he is their long term option at the power forward by getting and staying in shape to compete for minutes. We know that Sully has potential, but the question is does he want to reach it? If Sully does play in shape for the season, then he either becomes the Celtics 4 of the future that we pegged him to be or he'll be an attractive trade chip for someone better.

I 100% agree that Sully can be a great player, but his weight has definitely been a big issue. I think what's played a role in his issues is the losing. Until the all-star break this year, the Celtics were losing more than they were winning despite Sully's efforts. Losing game after game despite doing your best can ruin your psyche as a player. Now that he's on a team that has a better shot at winning, I think he'll have a better attitude towards the game, but that's just me being an optimist.

Thanks...good answer.

But they can't co-exist together, because of the limitations of minutes available. Lee certainly wants more than 20 minutes a game, and so does Sully. Not to mention 3 others PF's.
My point was if Sully is the player chosen to be traded, it's kind of short sighted, because Lee is a single year rental.

[saltlover]

I can't see just dumping Sully before we see what his conditioning has done to his game.

Don't forget Lee is gone next year, he's 32 and looking forward to free agency. If we trade Sully, and he turns into a 17 and 10 guy, and yes a conditioned Sully with his head on straight could do it, we shot ourselves in the foot. Now matter what you think of him, he's young and has more upside.

The problem is both Lee and Sully will be looking for big minutes this year, because they're both free agents.
We have 3 other PF's looking for minutes. I would like to see Mickey get a good look, plus KO needs minutes, plus JJ is another.

Honestly, Lee is a guy that may get us another playoff appearance, he scores well, but long term, why did we get this guy again?

A few reasons:

1. We got him so that the Celtics would atleast get something out of an overpaid expiring contract. They wouldn't have gotten anything out of Wallace. Lee atleast is going to provide something for what he's paid.

2. if a superstar suddenly goes on the market, Lee's contract could be exchanged with anyone to match a salary that the usual superstar makes because he'll make $15 million this year.

3. I thought the Lee acquisition was Danny basically telling Sullinger to get his act together. By getting someone like Lee, Sully will be motivated to prove to the Celtics that he is their long term option at the power forward by getting and staying in shape to compete for minutes. We know that Sully has potential, but the question is does he want to reach it? If Sully does play in shape for the season, then he either becomes the Celtics 4 of the future that we pegged him to be or he'll be an attractive trade chip for someone better.

I 100% agree that Sully can be a great player, but his weight has definitely been a big issue. I think what's played a role in his issues is the losing. Until the all-star break this year, the Celtics were losing more than they were winning despite Sully's efforts. Losing game after game despite doing your best can ruin your psyche as a player. Now that he's on a team that has a better shot at winning, I think he'll have a better attitude towards the game, but that's just me being an optimist.

Thanks...good answer.

But they can't co-exist together, because of the limitations of minutes available. Lee certainly wants more than 20 minutes a game, and so does Sully. Not to mention 3 others PF's.
My point was if Sully is the player chosen to be traded, it's kind of short sighted, because Lee is a single year rental.

If Sully can't beat out David Lee for the bulk of the minutes at their position, then he isn't much of a long-term option either.  If that's the case, then he should be a strong trade candidate.  And if he can beat out Lee, great.  Someone else will be moved instead.

[MJohnnyboy]

I can't see just dumping Sully before we see what his conditioning has done to his game.

Don't forget Lee is gone next year, he's 32 and looking forward to free agency. If we trade Sully, and he turns into a 17 and 10 guy, and yes a conditioned Sully with his head on straight could do it, we shot ourselves in the foot. Now matter what you think of him, he's young and has more upside.

The problem is both Lee and Sully will be looking for big minutes this year, because they're both free agents.
We have 3 other PF's looking for minutes. I would like to see Mickey get a good look, plus KO needs minutes, plus JJ is another.

Honestly, Lee is a guy that may get us another playoff appearance, he scores well, but long term, why did we get this guy again?

A few reasons:

1. We got him so that the Celtics would atleast get something out of an overpaid expiring contract. They wouldn't have gotten anything out of Wallace. Lee atleast is going to provide something for what he's paid.

2. if a superstar suddenly goes on the market, Lee's contract could be exchanged with anyone to match a salary that the usual superstar makes because he'll make $15 million this year.

3. I thought the Lee acquisition was Danny basically telling Sullinger to get his act together. By getting someone like Lee, Sully will be motivated to prove to the Celtics that he is their long term option at the power forward by getting and staying in shape to compete for minutes. We know that Sully has potential, but the question is does he want to reach it? If Sully does play in shape for the season, then he either becomes the Celtics 4 of the future that we pegged him to be or he'll be an attractive trade chip for someone better.

I 100% agree that Sully can be a great player, but his weight has definitely been a big issue. I think what's played a role in his issues is the losing. Until the all-star break this year, the Celtics were losing more than they were winning despite Sully's efforts. Losing game after game despite doing your best can ruin your psyche as a player. Now that he's on a team that has a better shot at winning, I think he'll have a better attitude towards the game, but that's just me being an optimist.

Thanks...good answer.

But they can't co-exist together, because of the limitations of minutes available. Lee certainly wants more than 20 minutes a game, and so does Sully. Not to mention 3 others PF's.
My point was if Sully is the player chosen to be traded, it's kind of short sighted, because Lee is a single year rental.

No they don't. The upshot to me though is that Lee will be starting (I predict) and Sully will be coming off the bench. Unless the Celtics are up against the likes of Jajuan Johnson and Fab Melo, I don't see Sully and Lee ever playing on the court together this season. I think Lee will be a good consistent scorer as the starting 4 and Sully will be great off the bench as the 3rd big. If Sully is in shape like he looks like he is, he'll kill it off the bench. I watched his rookie highlights today. Something that stood out to me is how much skinnier he looked and how active he was because of it. I remember he was a bright spot on the disappointing 2013 Celtics until the back injury got him. See for yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL35CpTd08I