Mannix on WEEI (Al Horford)

[PhoSita]

I can't see trading for Horford.  I don't mind the player but there is too much risk we lose him.  Why not just sign him in the off season? 

For me, the thinking goes like this.

(a) If we trade for Horford, it could give the Celts the firepower they need to win a playoff series, maybe two, in the post-season.  That sort of run would give the Celts a lot of cred with free agents, Horford or not.

(b) The Celts' biggest draw to free agents is probably Brad Stevens.  That's fine, but I think when you have a coach as your main free agency draw, you want to have your free agent target actually experience playing under the coach before you try to sign them.

(c) Already having Horford in the fold would make the Celts much more credible as a destination for other free agents (probably not Durant, but perhaps a guy like Batum or a trade target like Griffin or Cousins).

[LooseCannon]

Some people want to trade for Carmelo Anthony, but Horford is younger than Melo, a significantly better player, and a better fit.

We need a realistic assessment of how much a few months with the Celtics increases the team's chances of signing him, if Ainge was always going to offer him the non-Bird max this summer.  If it goes from 10% to 30% or more, how much is that worth?  It should have some value.  (Imagine if, instead of Horford, we were talking about Durant.  How much would that be worth to you?)

Trying to keep Olynyk instead of Sullinger in any deal is kind of like insisting that the Timberwolves take Sebastian Telfair.

[ssspence]

- Said the c's are absolutely interested in trading for Horford
- Denver might be our biggest competition to land Horfod
- They should trade for Horford now because everyone will have cap space in the off-season
- Trade would be something like KO or Sully, Lee , 2 1st rd picks (not brk)
- Says Horford is worth max because he is top 10 big man in league and can attract other fa's
- Not giving up Smart in Horford trade

WTH?  That's it?

That would be unreal if true.

It wouldn't be unreal.  That's more than we got for Rondo with similar risk attached.  Horford can bail this summer.

And in December, no less -- not February.

But I think it's fair to say that Horford has an impeccable reputation as a player of character and a powerful locker room fixture. To say that such a statement regarding Rondo would be met with divisive reaction would be an understatement. 

One other note: don't underestimate the inclusion of Crowder in the Dallas deal. While it may have looked like a role player addition to fans, Ainge has said repeatedly over the years that there's excellent talent toiling on NBA benches, waiting for the right role / opportunity.

Ainge likely had a bigger crush on Crowder than we could gather at the time.

[heyvik]

Is there a link to the Audio?

[rondohondo]

Is there a link to the Audio?

http://media.weei.com/a/113134511/chris-mannix-discusses-why-the-celtics-should-be-patient-with-the-hawks-and-al-horford-2-11-16.htm

[knuckleballer]

Just to get a little crazy, imagine completing this trade and landing one of the top two picks.  Plus having Brooklyn's pick for the next two seasons. That would have to be tempting for Durant to sign. I know it's unlikely, but it is possible and fun to think about.

[BDeCosta26]

I can't see trading for Horford.  I don't mind the player but there is too much risk we lose him.  Why not just sign him in the off season? 

For me, the thinking goes like this.

(a) If we trade for Horford, it could give the Celts the firepower they need to win a playoff series, maybe two, in the post-season.  That sort of run would give the Celts a lot of cred with free agents, Horford or not.

(b) The Celts' biggest draw to free agents is probably Brad Stevens.  That's fine, but I think when you have a coach as your main free agency draw, you want to have your free agent target actually experience playing under the coach before you try to sign them.

(c) Already having Horford in the fold would make the Celts much more credible as a destination for other free agents (probably not Durant, but perhaps a guy like Batum or a trade target like Griffin or Cousins).

I think, if we did re-sign Horford, it would be a high paying 2-3 year deal with PO's at the end. He turns 30 in June so we could still get two to three years of great basketball from him and he could still be able to sign one more good contract.

[rondohondo]

listening back to it , Mannix said he would give up the 2018 nets pick

If thats the case I probably don't do it

[ssspence]

listening back to it , Mannix said he would give up the 2018 pick

If thats the case I probably don't do it

Giving up an unprotected pick for a rental is pretty nutty. But, if Ainge and Bill Duffy coud agree verbally to a new contract to be signed this summer, I can see it.....

[rondohondo]

listening back to it , Mannix said he would give up the 2018 pick

If thats the case I probably don't do it

Giving up an unprotected pick for a rental is pretty nutty. But, if Ainge and Bill Duffy coud agree verbally to a new contract to be signed this summer, I can see it.....

to much of a risk IMO , especially if you have to give a full max

It could end up being like Kyrie for Baron davis or lillard for wallace

[aingeforthree]

listening back to it , Mannix said he would give up the 2018 nets pick

If thats the case I probably don't do it

If it means saving a talent like Olynyk, I do it.  Who knows where that 2018 pick will land, but getting a guy like Horford and keeping Olynyk is worth the sacrifice to me.

[aingeforthree]

listening back to it , Mannix said he would give up the 2018 pick

If thats the case I probably don't do it

Giving up an unprotected pick for a rental is pretty nutty. But, if Ainge and Bill Duffy coud agree verbally to a new contract to be signed this summer, I can see it.....

to much of a risk IMO , especially if you have to give a full max

It could end up being like Kyrie for Baron davis or lillard for wallace

Is it though ?

I have faith in guys like Ainge and Stevens as salesman for this organization.  I think if a player lands here, both Ainge and Stevens guarantee he stays, as long as the money is right.  A max deal is what this player will get, and the organization knows he's worth it.  So the money won't be an issue whatsoever.

[PhoSita]

Some people want to trade for Carmelo Anthony, but Horford is younger than Melo, a significantly better player, and a better fit.

We need a realistic assessment of how much a few months with the Celtics increases the team's chances of signing him, if Ainge was always going to offer him the non-Bird max this summer.  If it goes from 10% to 30% or more, how much is that worth?  It should have some value.  (Imagine if, instead of Horford, we were talking about Durant.  How much would that be worth to you?)

Trying to keep Olynyk instead of Sullinger in any deal is kind of like insisting that the Timberwolves take Sebastian Telfair.

Melo could be an interesting guy to target after the Celts already have Horford.


Thomas - Bradley - Crowder - Melo - Horford

That could be a pretty dangerous lineup, with Smart, Olynyk, and a competent 3-and-D guy off the bench. 

Could that team beat Cleveland in a series?

[Monkhouse]

People are acting as if giving the max to Horford is ridiculous.

Players are getting overpaid, that's just the gist of what has been the normal occurrence. I would certainly give Horford the max if he could possibly lure any free agent, and who knows? Horford might be the one extra cog or gear that this team needs to propel past the possibility of a first round exit.

Some people want to trade for Carmelo Anthony, but Horford is younger than Melo, a significantly better player, and a better fit.

We need a realistic assessment of how much a few months with the Celtics increases the team's chances of signing him, if Ainge was always going to offer him the non-Bird max this summer.  If it goes from 10% to 30% or more, how much is that worth?  It should have some value.  (Imagine if, instead of Horford, we were talking about Durant.  How much would that be worth to you?)

Trying to keep Olynyk instead of Sullinger in any deal is kind of like insisting that the Timberwolves take Sebastian Telfair.

Melo could be an interesting guy to target after the Celts already have Horford.


Thomas - Bradley - Crowder - Melo - Horford

That could be a pretty dangerous lineup.

Phosita whats your take on the chances of Durant coming here if we came off a 2nd round exit, and Horford was signed to a max?

Could Durant entertain the thought of being the go to guy, with two Allstars, a promising young coach with plenty of accolades already notched in the NBA, and team players who work together with fantastic chemistry?

[arctic 3.0]

Lee + Sully or Oly for Horford doesn't work on the machine...

they would need to send back ~$6M additional salary.
who would that be?

also i don't want to trade Oly...
he's my binky