Mannix on WEEI talking about Durant to Boston possibility

[LarBrd33]

Have said it in basically every thread.  If he leaves OKC, I see Boston as having as good a chance as any team at signing Durant.  Aside from "weather" and "lack of additional superstar", there's really no excuse for Durant to skip a meeting with Ainge.  Unless he just immediately re-signs in OKC, I 100% expect for Durant to take a meeting with the Celtics this summer.  Even if he's not immediately in love with the idea, his agent should be pushing him to take that meeting.  This is an ideal situation on a number of fronts.

I doubt Durant even knows what he's doing right now.  But I'm telling you, if that guy decides to leave OKC, I take our chances at signing him over basically any team... including Golden State.  It might seem like a good idea on paper, but on closer inspection, this is a better situation overall for Durant's career. 

[RMO]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjk8fP-vGMQ

They had a segment on 1st take, which I don't usually watch. Steven A say all options are open according to someone in the league . Take it fwiw

I love how he covers himself on his report earlier this season that Durant is strongly considering the lakers (that Durant himself responded to saying his people don't talk to that guy).  That's out now because the lakers took a nosedive?  Lakers are exactly where everyone thought they would be.  When this season have they ever not been among the league's worst?

[rondohondo]

From Bulpett

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2016/03/bulpett_kevin_durant_has_celtics_fans_green_with_envy

It may, indeed, be delusional to believe the perennial All-Star will choose the Celtics when the riches of every team in the league, including his current employer, are laid before him this summer. But it may not be out of the question.

The Celts can offer Durant a maximum contract, and the fact they have room for another full-salary star and, if he signs here, the bait to get one could be enticing. The coach and the very good complementary players are already in place, not to mention more draft goodies from Brooklyn.

And for those who think that if Durant wants to come East, he will simply go home to the Wizards, well, let me relate what a former NBA player from New York told me a couple of weeks ago: “You don’t want to play in your hometown. I’m telling you, you just don’t. You may think it would be great, but it’s more trouble than it’s worth. Even with the people you want to see, it’s too much. It’s hard to breathe when you’re playing in your hometown.

”

The only opportunity missed may have been at the pregame NBA chapel service attended by Durant and others when Rev. Robert Gray titled his sermon, “Learning to be still.”

Friends gave Rev. Gray a hard time about it later, saying he should have spoken on the need to live in different parts of the country or on the holy benefits of chowder.

One of the players at the service was Avery Bradley, who has a strong bond with Durant because of their University of Texas heritage. Asked if he’s spoken to his friend about coming to the Celtics, Avery said, “Maybe I have, and maybe I haven’t.”

so bradley and IT recruiting Durant

[Moranis]

Because it is fun, how about this massive trade this summer

Trade happens after Durant indicates he is signing in Boston

OKC - Porzingis, Rozier, Olynyk, Calderon, Johnson, Jerekbo FOR Westbrook, Ibaka, Kanter
NY - Wesbrook, Kanter, Crowder FOR Porzingis, Lopez, Afflalo
BOS - Ibaka, Lopez, Afflalo FOR Crowder, Olynyk, Rozier, Johnson, Jerekbo

Various other pieces can be added as necessary.  Essentially, OKC goes into full bore rebuilding by acquiring Porzingis, Olynyk, and Rozier for Westbrook, Kanter, and Ibaka (Calderson, AJ and JJ are salary fodder that OKC would presumably cut - Kanter's contract is a disaster on a team that is not a contender).  NY gets a one year rental of Westbrook to give Anthony that 2nd star and gets a solid wing defender in Crowder and an upgrade at center (Kanter is better than Lopez), but does give up Porzingis, Afflalo, and Lopez to do it.  BOS gets a starting PF and C to add to the new star in Durant, but does give up Olynyk and Crowder (though who with Durant and Ibaka become much more expendable). 

Be an interesting trade for all three teams and again would be only after Durant says he is coming to Boston.

If that trade happens Boston would still have its 3 picks from 2016, one of which should be a guy that can help this year (let's just say Poeltl) and can then still re-sign Sullinger, Turner, and/or Zeller for roster depth (let's say Turner and Sullinger re-up).  That would leave Boston as

PG - Thomas, Smart
SG - Bradley, Afflalo, Hunter
SF - Durant, Turner, Young
PF - Ibaka, Sullinger, Mickey
C - Lopez, Poeltl

The 2 extra spots would be the Dallas and Boston picks from 2016 which would be in the DLeague (the 2nd rounders are hopefully draft and stash players).

Clear title contender for a very long time with the right mix of offense and defense.

[manl_lui]

From Bulpett

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2016/03/bulpett_kevin_durant_has_celtics_fans_green_with_envy

It may, indeed, be delusional to believe the perennial All-Star will choose the Celtics when the riches of every team in the league, including his current employer, are laid before him this summer. But it may not be out of the question.

The Celts can offer Durant a maximum contract, and the fact they have room for another full-salary star and, if he signs here, the bait to get one could be enticing. The coach and the very good complementary players are already in place, not to mention more draft goodies from Brooklyn.

And for those who think that if Durant wants to come East, he will simply go home to the Wizards, well, let me relate what a former NBA player from New York told me a couple of weeks ago: “You don’t want to play in your hometown. I’m telling you, you just don’t. You may think it would be great, but it’s more trouble than it’s worth. Even with the people you want to see, it’s too much. It’s hard to breathe when you’re playing in your hometown.

”

The only opportunity missed may have been at the pregame NBA chapel service attended by Durant and others when Rev. Robert Gray titled his sermon, “Learning to be still.”

Friends gave Rev. Gray a hard time about it later, saying he should have spoken on the need to live in different parts of the country or on the holy benefits of chowder.

One of the players at the service was Avery Bradley, who has a strong bond with Durant because of their University of Texas heritage. Asked if he’s spoken to his friend about coming to the Celtics, Avery said, “Maybe I have, and maybe I haven’t.”

so bradley and IT recruiting Durant

also want to point out, if this does happen (one can only wish), Danny deserves a lot of credit for having a team of 3 stars.

Durant + another allstar big + IT

IT was essentially bought in for free and his contract is relatively cheap.

[LarBrd33]

From Bulpett

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2016/03/bulpett_kevin_durant_has_celtics_fans_green_with_envy

It may, indeed, be delusional to believe the perennial All-Star will choose the Celtics when the riches of every team in the league, including his current employer, are laid before him this summer. But it may not be out of the question.

The Celts can offer Durant a maximum contract, and the fact they have room for another full-salary star and, if he signs here, the bait to get one could be enticing. The coach and the very good complementary players are already in place, not to mention more draft goodies from Brooklyn.

And for those who think that if Durant wants to come East, he will simply go home to the Wizards, well, let me relate what a former NBA player from New York told me a couple of weeks ago: “You don’t want to play in your hometown. I’m telling you, you just don’t. You may think it would be great, but it’s more trouble than it’s worth. Even with the people you want to see, it’s too much. It’s hard to breathe when you’re playing in your hometown.

”

The only opportunity missed may have been at the pregame NBA chapel service attended by Durant and others when Rev. Robert Gray titled his sermon, “Learning to be still.”

Friends gave Rev. Gray a hard time about it later, saying he should have spoken on the need to live in different parts of the country or on the holy benefits of chowder.

One of the players at the service was Avery Bradley, who has a strong bond with Durant because of their University of Texas heritage. Asked if he’s spoken to his friend about coming to the Celtics, Avery said, “Maybe I have, and maybe I haven’t.”

so bradley and IT recruiting Durant

also want to point out, if this does happen (one can only wish), Danny deserves a lot of credit for having a team of 3 stars.

Durant + another allstar big + IT

IT was essentially bought in for free and his contract is relatively cheap.

+ Ben Simmons

[manl_lui]

From Bulpett

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2016/03/bulpett_kevin_durant_has_celtics_fans_green_with_envy

It may, indeed, be delusional to believe the perennial All-Star will choose the Celtics when the riches of every team in the league, including his current employer, are laid before him this summer. But it may not be out of the question.

The Celts can offer Durant a maximum contract, and the fact they have room for another full-salary star and, if he signs here, the bait to get one could be enticing. The coach and the very good complementary players are already in place, not to mention more draft goodies from Brooklyn.

And for those who think that if Durant wants to come East, he will simply go home to the Wizards, well, let me relate what a former NBA player from New York told me a couple of weeks ago: “You don’t want to play in your hometown. I’m telling you, you just don’t. You may think it would be great, but it’s more trouble than it’s worth. Even with the people you want to see, it’s too much. It’s hard to breathe when you’re playing in your hometown.

”

The only opportunity missed may have been at the pregame NBA chapel service attended by Durant and others when Rev. Robert Gray titled his sermon, “Learning to be still.”

Friends gave Rev. Gray a hard time about it later, saying he should have spoken on the need to live in different parts of the country or on the holy benefits of chowder.

One of the players at the service was Avery Bradley, who has a strong bond with Durant because of their University of Texas heritage. Asked if he’s spoken to his friend about coming to the Celtics, Avery said, “Maybe I have, and maybe I haven’t.”

so bradley and IT recruiting Durant

also want to point out, if this does happen (one can only wish), Danny deserves a lot of credit for having a team of 3 stars.

Durant + another allstar big + IT

IT was essentially bought in for free and his contract is relatively cheap.

+ Ben Simmons

heh, TP. Danny Ainge should get GM of the year before 2016-2017 even begins!

[bdm860]

Because it is fun, how about this massive trade this summer

Trade happens after Durant indicates he is signing in Boston

OKC - Porzingis, Rozier, Olynyk, Calderon, Johnson, Jerekbo FOR Westbrook, Ibaka, Kanter
NY - Wesbrook, Kanter, Crowder FOR Porzingis, Lopez, Afflalo
BOS - Ibaka, Lopez, Afflalo FOR Crowder, Olynyk, Rozier, Johnson, Jerekbo

Various other pieces can be added as necessary.  Essentially, OKC goes into full bore rebuilding by acquiring Porzingis, Olynyk, and Rozier for Westbrook, Kanter, and Ibaka (Calderson, AJ and JJ are salary fodder that OKC would presumably cut - Kanter's contract is a disaster on a team that is not a contender).  NY gets a one year rental of Westbrook to give Anthony that 2nd star and gets a solid wing defender in Crowder and an upgrade at center (Kanter is better than Lopez), but does give up Porzingis, Afflalo, and Lopez to do it.  BOS gets a starting PF and C to add to the new star in Durant, but does give up Olynyk and Crowder (though who with Durant and Ibaka become much more expendable). 

Be an interesting trade for all three teams and again would be only after Durant says he is coming to Boston.

If that trade happens Boston would still have its 3 picks from 2016, one of which should be a guy that can help this year (let's just say Poeltl) and can then still re-sign Sullinger, Turner, and/or Zeller for roster depth (let's say Turner and Sullinger re-up).  That would leave Boston as

PG - Thomas, Smart
SG - Bradley, Afflalo, Hunter
SF - Durant, Turner, Young
PF - Ibaka, Sullinger, Mickey
C - Lopez, Poeltl

The 2 extra spots would be the Dallas and Boston picks from 2016 which would be in the DLeague (the 2nd rounders are hopefully draft and stash players).

Clear title contender for a very long time with the right mix of offense and defense.

Ha, Durant comes East for the easier path to a the Finals, only to get knocked outin the 2nd round by the new New York Knicks super team of Westbrook/Crowder/Anthony/Kanter + either Howard, Horford, or DeRozan who they grab in free agency.

I don't like it lol.

[LarBrd33]

From Bulpett

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2016/03/bulpett_kevin_durant_has_celtics_fans_green_with_envy

It may, indeed, be delusional to believe the perennial All-Star will choose the Celtics when the riches of every team in the league, including his current employer, are laid before him this summer. But it may not be out of the question.

The Celts can offer Durant a maximum contract, and the fact they have room for another full-salary star and, if he signs here, the bait to get one could be enticing. The coach and the very good complementary players are already in place, not to mention more draft goodies from Brooklyn.

And for those who think that if Durant wants to come East, he will simply go home to the Wizards, well, let me relate what a former NBA player from New York told me a couple of weeks ago: “You don’t want to play in your hometown. I’m telling you, you just don’t. You may think it would be great, but it’s more trouble than it’s worth. Even with the people you want to see, it’s too much. It’s hard to breathe when you’re playing in your hometown.

”

The only opportunity missed may have been at the pregame NBA chapel service attended by Durant and others when Rev. Robert Gray titled his sermon, “Learning to be still.”

Friends gave Rev. Gray a hard time about it later, saying he should have spoken on the need to live in different parts of the country or on the holy benefits of chowder.

One of the players at the service was Avery Bradley, who has a strong bond with Durant because of their University of Texas heritage. Asked if he’s spoken to his friend about coming to the Celtics, Avery said, “Maybe I have, and maybe I haven’t.”

so bradley and IT recruiting Durant

also want to point out, if this does happen (one can only wish), Danny deserves a lot of credit for having a team of 3 stars.

Durant + another allstar big + IT

IT was essentially bought in for free and his contract is relatively cheap.

+ Ben Simmons

heh, TP. Danny Ainge should get GM of the year before 2016-2017 even begins!

Can't understate how exciting this Summer can be.  It could be a dud, but it also has the potential to be the biggest Celtic summer in 20+ years (including the one where we landed KG and Ray). 

[Moranis]

Because it is fun, how about this massive trade this summer

Trade happens after Durant indicates he is signing in Boston

OKC - Porzingis, Rozier, Olynyk, Calderon, Johnson, Jerekbo FOR Westbrook, Ibaka, Kanter
NY - Wesbrook, Kanter, Crowder FOR Porzingis, Lopez, Afflalo
BOS - Ibaka, Lopez, Afflalo FOR Crowder, Olynyk, Rozier, Johnson, Jerekbo

Various other pieces can be added as necessary.  Essentially, OKC goes into full bore rebuilding by acquiring Porzingis, Olynyk, and Rozier for Westbrook, Kanter, and Ibaka (Calderson, AJ and JJ are salary fodder that OKC would presumably cut - Kanter's contract is a disaster on a team that is not a contender).  NY gets a one year rental of Westbrook to give Anthony that 2nd star and gets a solid wing defender in Crowder and an upgrade at center (Kanter is better than Lopez), but does give up Porzingis, Afflalo, and Lopez to do it.  BOS gets a starting PF and C to add to the new star in Durant, but does give up Olynyk and Crowder (though who with Durant and Ibaka become much more expendable). 

Be an interesting trade for all three teams and again would be only after Durant says he is coming to Boston.

If that trade happens Boston would still have its 3 picks from 2016, one of which should be a guy that can help this year (let's just say Poeltl) and can then still re-sign Sullinger, Turner, and/or Zeller for roster depth (let's say Turner and Sullinger re-up).  That would leave Boston as

PG - Thomas, Smart
SG - Bradley, Afflalo, Hunter
SF - Durant, Turner, Young
PF - Ibaka, Sullinger, Mickey
C - Lopez, Poeltl

The 2 extra spots would be the Dallas and Boston picks from 2016 which would be in the DLeague (the 2nd rounders are hopefully draft and stash players).

Clear title contender for a very long time with the right mix of offense and defense.

Ha, Durant comes East for the easier path to a the Finals, only to get knocked outin the 2nd round by the new New York Knicks super team of Westbrook/Crowder/Anthony/Kanter + either Howard, Horford, or DeRozan who they grab in free agency.

I don't like it lol.

I don't think that team is better than Boston at all and certainly won't be as Anthony ages (even if Westbrook stays).

[Celtic]

Because it is fun, how about this massive trade this summer

Trade happens after Durant indicates he is signing in Boston

OKC - Porzingis, Rozier, Olynyk, Calderon, Johnson, Jerekbo FOR Westbrook, Ibaka, Kanter
NY - Wesbrook, Kanter, Crowder FOR Porzingis, Lopez, Afflalo
BOS - Ibaka, Lopez, Afflalo FOR Crowder, Olynyk, Rozier, Johnson, Jerekbo

Various other pieces can be added as necessary.  Essentially, OKC goes into full bore rebuilding by acquiring Porzingis, Olynyk, and Rozier for Westbrook, Kanter, and Ibaka (Calderson, AJ and JJ are salary fodder that OKC would presumably cut - Kanter's contract is a disaster on a team that is not a contender).  NY gets a one year rental of Westbrook to give Anthony that 2nd star and gets a solid wing defender in Crowder and an upgrade at center (Kanter is better than Lopez), but does give up Porzingis, Afflalo, and Lopez to do it.  BOS gets a starting PF and C to add to the new star in Durant, but does give up Olynyk and Crowder (though who with Durant and Ibaka become much more expendable). 

Be an interesting trade for all three teams and again would be only after Durant says he is coming to Boston.

If that trade happens Boston would still have its 3 picks from 2016, one of which should be a guy that can help this year (let's just say Poeltl) and can then still re-sign Sullinger, Turner, and/or Zeller for roster depth (let's say Turner and Sullinger re-up).  That would leave Boston as

PG - Thomas, Smart
SG - Bradley, Afflalo, Hunter
SF - Durant, Turner, Young
PF - Ibaka, Sullinger, Mickey
C - Lopez, Poeltl

The 2 extra spots would be the Dallas and Boston picks from 2016 which would be in the DLeague (the 2nd rounders are hopefully draft and stash players).

Clear title contender for a very long time with the right mix of offense and defense.

Ha, Durant comes East for the easier path to a the Finals, only to get knocked outin the 2nd round by the new New York Knicks super team of Westbrook/Crowder/Anthony/Kanter + either Howard, Horford, or DeRozan who they grab in free agency.

I don't like it lol.

I don't think that team is better than Boston at all and certainly won't be as Anthony ages (even if Westbrook stays).

This scenario, while ridiculously improbable, is still a very bad trade.

We'd be much better off signing Horford and Durant and then potentially putting a trade together for Butler.

I'd much rather run out a Durant-Crowder-Horford front court than Durant-Ibaka-Lopez, while still keeping Olynyk and Rozier.

[Snakehead]

I'm even getting a little caught up in this.

I continue to also think soon some stars are going to realize they should go East.  I don't get why they don't do it more often.  Just gives you such a better chance to get to the Finals.  Maybe it was LeBron scaring players for years but I think Cleveland is certainly beatable.  We present a great opportunity for it.

[Celtics4ever]

I won't believe it until the contract is signed.   I recall all the guys who thought Love would come here.   

[guava_wrench]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjk8fP-vGMQ

They had a segment on 1st take, which I don't usually watch. Steven A say all options are open according to someone in the league . Take it fwiw

Just cringing hearing Stephen A pronouncing Kelly's last name.  And he calls himself an insider.

SAS is obviously a reader, not a talker. 

[guava_wrench]

I won't believe it until the contact is signed.   I recall all the guys who thought Love would come here.

You won't believe that he will consider Boston?