Rumor: Celtics, among others, in contact with Sixers about Noel/Okafor

[MJohnnyboy]

Call me crazy here but I think a three-way deal could get done between Sixers, Celtics, and Bulls

This hypothetical just came to my mind
Celtics get: Jimmy Butler
Sixers get: #3 pick (Kris Dunn), Avery Bradley
Bulls get: Okafor/Noel (Whomever they want), 2017 Lakers pick, 2019 Kings pick, #16, Jonas Jerebko

This was just an idea that came to my head. You guys hash out the details on a potential deal. I just think something like this could really happen on Thursday.

I also wouldn't be surprised if the Celtics maybe contact the Suns and try to make an exchange for more assets first so that the Celtics could get Dunn while also having more to deal in a potential trade. I expect a hurricane of deals from trader Danny.

[LarBrd33]

Now CSN is saying #3 pick for one of Noel/Okafor. Said Ford is reporting (guessing) AB for one of them.

im having trouble interpreting this post.

It's not the post, Thats what they said on Sports tonight.

 And yeah it didn't make sense. I don't think Ford is on top of this. AB for Okafor/Noel doesn't get Philly what they want which is Dunn. #3 gets you Okafor, MAYBE Noel, DA wants a bit more. Which he should, he's not the one seeking out the pick.

So we're at a point now where Boston would struggle to get Nerlens Noel for the #3 pick?  Interesting.

Honestly I'd be happy with either.  I'd love to have Noel.  It's comical to me people think Okafor is not worth the #3, but Nerlens is worth more than #3.  When you consider that this is the last year of Noels' rookie contract, it's pretty funny.

I'm looking forward to Thursday so I can stop reading stupid things one way or the other.

Keep the pick.  Trade it.  Whatever.

http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=84922.0

"Jeff Teague or trade Okafor for the 3rd pick and draft Sunn? Dunn vs Teague? I like dunn

Kyler: You are assuming thats possible to do... Boston not moving the 3 just for Okafor, would take a lot more."

Yeah.  That was the same day Kyler said Okafor was better than every prospect available at #3 and that it wasn't even close.  So that was pretty funny.

If Philly decides they are willing to move Okafor for #3, I expect us to take it - unless we have some grander plan in place to trade the 3rd pick as a means to lure Kevin Durant.  Otherwise, it's a pretty easy decision to make.  You grab the BPA - and that's Okafor.

There comes a time when you just have to admit you're wrong. And you're believing Tim Welsh's report. Is he even reliable?

K... if we land Okafor for less than the #3 pick I'll admit I am wrong - in between tears of pure joy.   Until then... I'll believe it when I see it.  PM me in a few days if we get Okafor for less than the #3 pick.  Until then, hold off on your proclamations I'm wrong, because you read some posturing leading up to the draft.

We've been prepared to give up more than that pick for Okafor for over a year.   As recently as the trade deadline, we were trying to trade a large package including the pick for Okafor.  If Boston is saying they need a "lot more" than just Okafor for the #3 pick - they lyin.  Likely just some nonsense trying to drive up the price of the pick with hopes of using it for a bigger fish than Okafor - like Cousins.

If we don't have a shot to land a established star for the pick, and Philly offers us Okafor for #3, I expect us to do it

That's not the point because you are already wrong with your prediction. You said it would take more than the #3 overall pick

Based on reports, we offered more than the Brooklyn pick for Okafor at the deadline. 

It is what it is, man.   If Philly is now willing to take just the #3 pick - good for us.  But I seriously doubt they are taking less than the #3 pick.  We'll see.

[colincb]

Welsh said:

- Cs more interested in Noel than Okafor,
- Sixers would want the #3 pick to ensure Dunn selection,
- Sixers want to do this before Thursday,
- Sixers have been all over Providence doing background (highly likely to be true since Welsh coached Providence and would have strong contacts there stil)l, and
- Bender workout was awful to the Cs and other teams who saw it.

Really did not mention what else, if anything, that might be involved in such a trade other than the 3 and Noel. I'd be shocked and disappointed if it was a straight deal of the #3 for Noel myself.

I think Okafor we could fetch without 3. let some other lotto team trade them the pick for dunn for noel

This is how I feel as well. I view Okafor as the better prospect and player. If we can get him for less than 3, then by all means sign me up.

I've been leading the Nerlens Noel bandwagon since before he was drafted... and I'm telling you that it makes ass sense for him to be worth the #3 while Okafor isn't.  I'd love his defense, obviously.  But he's on the final year of his rookie deal.   I mean, look... maybe both of them are worth #3.  But this narrative over the last couple days that Okafor can only fetch the #6 while Noel is worth the #3 is asinine... especially considering that there's no consensus players in the 3-7 range.  The guy picked 7 might be interchangeable with the guy picked 3.  So why are people banging their skulls against a wall claiming that Okafor can only fetch 6 and Noel can fetch 3.  It's ridiculous.

Can't wait for Thursday so this madness will end.

Either way, whatever you want to believe, Philly is absolutely killing their bargaining power by letting it slip how in love they are with Dunn. Even if he was worth the #3 pick straight up, Danny can manipulate this and force the Sixers to either A) work out a much more beneficial deal for us with either more than Okafor/Embiid coming over OR picking Simmons for us, B) work out some sort of deal with LA for Dunn/Russell, which would mean Ingram would fall in our laps, or C) take Dunn #1. Whatever way it goes, Danny is going to better our position with this knowledge.

I think Welsh is a good source to the following extent based on his contacts within the Providence College community:

! - The Sixers have done extensive background work
2 - The Sixers have told Dunn's camp that they want to get something done before Thursday.

The other piece of evidence that lends some corroboration is that the Philadelphia sports radio personality Jon Johnson claims that a reliable source of his is telling him that there has been considerable recent discussions between the Sixers and the Celtics.

Beyond that, it all sounds sketchy as to what a possible deal might be, but it would have to involve the #3 if Dunn is part of the storyline.

[tankcity!]

I would be disappointed with Noel for the #3 pick. The celtics need a scorer badly. Noel would be nice, but I'd take my chances in the draft or prefer Okafor.

[tankcity!]

Now CSN is saying #3 pick for one of Noel/Okafor. Said Ford is reporting (guessing) AB for one of them.

im having trouble interpreting this post.

It's not the post, Thats what they said on Sports tonight.

 And yeah it didn't make sense. I don't think Ford is on top of this. AB for Okafor/Noel doesn't get Philly what they want which is Dunn. #3 gets you Okafor, MAYBE Noel, DA wants a bit more. Which he should, he's not the one seeking out the pick.

So we're at a point now where Boston would struggle to get Nerlens Noel for the #3 pick?  Interesting.

Honestly I'd be happy with either.  I'd love to have Noel.  It's comical to me people think Okafor is not worth the #3, but Nerlens is worth more than #3.  When you consider that this is the last year of Noels' rookie contract, it's pretty funny.

I'm looking forward to Thursday so I can stop reading stupid things one way or the other.

Keep the pick.  Trade it.  Whatever.

http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=84922.0

"Jeff Teague or trade Okafor for the 3rd pick and draft Sunn? Dunn vs Teague? I like dunn

Kyler: You are assuming thats possible to do... Boston not moving the 3 just for Okafor, would take a lot more."

Yeah.  That was the same day Kyler said Okafor was better than every prospect available at #3 and that it wasn't even close.  So that was pretty funny.

If Philly decides they are willing to move Okafor for #3, I expect us to take it - unless we have some grander plan in place to trade the 3rd pick as a means to lure Kevin Durant.  Otherwise, it's a pretty easy decision to make.  You grab the BPA - and that's Okafor.

There comes a time when you just have to admit you're wrong. And you're believing Tim Welsh's report. Is he even reliable?

K... if we land Okafor for less than the #3 pick I'll admit I am wrong - in between tears of pure joy.   Until then... I'll believe it when I see it.  PM me in a few days if we get Okafor for less than the #3 pick.  Until then, hold off on your proclamations I'm wrong, because you read some posturing leading up to the draft.

We've been prepared to give up more than that pick for Okafor for over a year.   As recently as the trade deadline, we were trying to trade a large package including the pick for Okafor.  If Boston is saying they need a "lot more" than just Okafor for the #3 pick - they lyin.  Likely just some nonsense trying to drive up the price of the pick with hopes of using it for a bigger fish than Okafor - like Cousins.

If we don't have a shot to land a established star for the pick, and Philly offers us Okafor for #3, I expect us to do it

That's not the point because you are already wrong with your prediction. You said it would take more than the #3 overall pick

Based on reports, we offered more than the Brooklyn pick for Okafor at the deadline. 

It is what it is, man.   If Philly is now willing to take just the #3 pick - good for us.  But I seriously doubt they are taking less than the #3 pick.  We'll see.

Looks like the deal is for Noel anyways so it doesn't matter.

[walker834]

Draft Dragan Bender? He's noel but can score.

[colincb]

Draft Dragan Bender? He's noel but can score.

Welsh said the overseas workout was awful.

[walker834]

Draft Dragan Bender? He's noel but can score.

Welsh said the overseas workout was awful.

I get he doesn't fit as an interior presence or rebounder yet but we do have Sully and KO and Amir.  GEtting all them PT would be a challenge and they don't really fit.  But Bender can play that Love spot and he's more versatile than that.  He can also play the Noel spot. 

Yeah....  Not feeling so good about our prospects right now.  Bender apparently has a ways to go.

[colincb]

Chad Ford today:

Amazed at how different NBA teams are evaluating draft lottery prospects Kris Dunn, Jamal Murray, Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss, Jaylen Brown & Buddy Hield. Every player is as high as No. 3 on at least one board. As low as No. 8 on at least one board.  With that said, it appears Dunn is No. 3 on the most boards right now.

[walker834]

That's what I saying. We could just take Dunn and keep holding that card.  I don't think he wants to play here though. It's a Rondo situation all over again.

Dunn is the bpa on the board right now. Even over Brown.  I think Dunn is more developed. He is also most attractive to other teams.

He is the best asset we could draft.  I don't think Okafor or Noel are worth pulling the trigger on just yet.   

[jpotter33]

Call me crazy here but I think a three-way deal could get done between Sixers, Celtics, and Bulls

This hypothetical just came to my mind
Celtics get: Jimmy Butler
Sixers get: #3 pick (Kris Dunn), Avery Bradley
Bulls get: Okafor/Noel (Whomever they want), 2017 Lakers pick, 2019 Kings pick, #16, Jonas Jerebko

This was just an idea that came to my head. You guys hash out the details on a potential deal. I just think something like this could really happen on Thursday.

I also wouldn't be surprised if the Celtics maybe contact the Suns and try to make an exchange for more assets first so that the Celtics could get Dunn while also having more to deal in a potential trade. I expect a hurricane of deals from trader Danny.

Yeah, O'Connor was saying the same thing on Celticsblog here: http://www.celticsblog.com/2016/6/21/11985602/nba-rumor-boston-celtics-trade-philadelphia-76ers-jahlil-okafor-noel-chicago-bulls-jimmy-butler

I say go bigger than that -

Boston: Butler, Noel

Chicago: Crowder, JJ, Okafor, #22, #23

Philly: McDermott, Rozier, Young, #3, #16

I think that's a pretty fair deal all around, especially since Philly will ultimately have to trade both Okafor and Noel eventually once they commit to Embiid. They're not paying Noel next summer.

We get our guys

Chicago gets a legit franchise center in Okafor, their guy in Crowder that they wanted at the deadline, and two more later firsts in a deep draft.

Philly gets their guy in Dunn, gets to look at two potential backcourt mates for Dunn in Rozier/Young, gets McDermott to provide shooting on the wing, and a mid first round pick they can also use on another prospect.

Who says no?

[colincb]

Draft Dragan Bender? He's noel but can score.

Welsh said the overseas workout was awful.

I get he doesn't fit as an interior presence or rebounder yet but we do have Sully and KO and Amir.  GEtting all them PT would be a challenge and they don't really fit.  But Bender can play that Love spot and he's more versatile than that.  He can also play the Noel spot. 

Yeah....  Not feeling so good about our prospects right now.  Bender apparently has a ways to go.

I was pretty high on Bender, but again, the overseas workout in front of the Cs and other teams was awful according to Welsh. Kyler hinted at that too. Last year, Zinger made his name in the workouts and here we're hearing Bender sucked and he has a lot less background to go on than Zinger did (as well as other US prospects).

[walker834]

Draft Dunn. Getting him PT and keeping his value high is going to be tough though.  But I would not pull the trigger on Okafor or Noel just yet.   We can do better for Dunn.

It will p--- off his agent and Dunn.  But we have rights on him. We can draft whoever we want.  It might get messy signing him but I'm not sure how that works.

[LarBrd33]

Now CSN is saying #3 pick for one of Noel/Okafor. Said Ford is reporting (guessing) AB for one of them.

im having trouble interpreting this post.

It's not the post, Thats what they said on Sports tonight.

 And yeah it didn't make sense. I don't think Ford is on top of this. AB for Okafor/Noel doesn't get Philly what they want which is Dunn. #3 gets you Okafor, MAYBE Noel, DA wants a bit more. Which he should, he's not the one seeking out the pick.

So we're at a point now where Boston would struggle to get Nerlens Noel for the #3 pick?  Interesting.

Honestly I'd be happy with either.  I'd love to have Noel.  It's comical to me people think Okafor is not worth the #3, but Nerlens is worth more than #3.  When you consider that this is the last year of Noels' rookie contract, it's pretty funny.

I'm looking forward to Thursday so I can stop reading stupid things one way or the other.

Keep the pick.  Trade it.  Whatever.

http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=84922.0

"Jeff Teague or trade Okafor for the 3rd pick and draft Sunn? Dunn vs Teague? I like dunn

Kyler: You are assuming thats possible to do... Boston not moving the 3 just for Okafor, would take a lot more."

Yeah.  That was the same day Kyler said Okafor was better than every prospect available at #3 and that it wasn't even close.  So that was pretty funny.

If Philly decides they are willing to move Okafor for #3, I expect us to take it - unless we have some grander plan in place to trade the 3rd pick as a means to lure Kevin Durant.  Otherwise, it's a pretty easy decision to make.  You grab the BPA - and that's Okafor.

There comes a time when you just have to admit you're wrong. And you're believing Tim Welsh's report. Is he even reliable?

K... if we land Okafor for less than the #3 pick I'll admit I am wrong - in between tears of pure joy.   Until then... I'll believe it when I see it.  PM me in a few days if we get Okafor for less than the #3 pick.  Until then, hold off on your proclamations I'm wrong, because you read some posturing leading up to the draft.

We've been prepared to give up more than that pick for Okafor for over a year.   As recently as the trade deadline, we were trying to trade a large package including the pick for Okafor.  If Boston is saying they need a "lot more" than just Okafor for the #3 pick - they lyin.  Likely just some nonsense trying to drive up the price of the pick with hopes of using it for a bigger fish than Okafor - like Cousins.

If we don't have a shot to land a established star for the pick, and Philly offers us Okafor for #3, I expect us to do it

That's not the point because you are already wrong with your prediction. You said it would take more than the #3 overall pick

Based on reports, we offered more than the Brooklyn pick for Okafor at the deadline. 

It is what it is, man.   If Philly is now willing to take just the #3 pick - good for us.  But I seriously doubt they are taking less than the #3 pick.  We'll see.

Looks like the deal is for Noel anyways so it doesn't matter.

It doesn't look like anything.  It's 3 days before the draft.  There's tons of nonsense out there.

Here's what it boils down to...

If Jahlil Okafor was in this draft, there is no freakin way Ainge would pass up on him at #3 for any of the other prospects available.   

And for that very simple reason, despite all the histrionics about how Philly has no leverage, if Boston doesn't use to pick to land a legitimate star (like Cousins) that will lead to Durant - they will pounce on Okafor for #3 if Philly is finally wiling after a year of turning Boston down.

[LarBrd33]

Draft Dunn. Getting him PT and keeping his value high is going to be tough though.  But I would not pull the trigger on Okafor or Noel just yet.   We can do better for Dunn.

It will p--- off his agent and Dunn.  But we have rights on him. We can draft whoever we want.  It might get messy signing him but I'm not sure how that works.

How good do you really expect Dunn to be?  Some people seem to think he's going to be great.  Others seem to think he's a future role player.