Kevin Pelton - 6 Cs Trade Scenarios

[Eddie20]

Interesting discussion. Some of the trades sound good, others I would instantly pass on, but it's noteworthy to think what veteran player(s) we could be receiving for certain picks.

1. Celtics trade: No. 3 pick, guard R.J. Hunter
Philadelphia 76ers trade: center Jahlil Okafor, forward Robert Covington

Why Boston does it: The Celtics make the most sense of any realistic destination for Okafor. Boston could use Okafor's ability to efficiently create his own shot, and in the short term Amir Johnson is a good frontcourt partner because Johnson can defend power forwards while playing on the perimeter.

That said, I wouldn't do this deal as the Celtics without getting Covington. The combo forward has one of the league's better contracts (he'll make the veteran's minimum each of the next two years, and even that amount is non-guaranteed) and would allow Boston to play small on a more regular basis.

In fact, Covington cracked the top 50 of our trade value rankings -- just ahead of Okafor.

Why Philadelphia does it: This isn't great value, that's for sure. However, the Sixers are probably going to have to accept less than 100 cents on the dollar because other teams know they want to move either Okafor or Nerlens Noel, and the No. 3 pick is the best they're going to get in this year's draft.

Philadelphia also gets a useful prospect in Hunter, a favorite of my projection system before last year's draft who played well in the preseason before struggling in his limited regular-season action.

2. Celtics trade: No. 16 pick
New Orleans Pelicans trade: guard Tyreke Evans

Why Boston does it: The Celtics could plug Evans into the role of reserve creator occupied by Evan Turner last season. Even last season, when he was dealing with knee injuries, Evans was a more prolific and more efficient scorer than Turner, and he's a better playmaker too.

Evans is coming off season-ending knee surgery, the third on his right knee in the past 13 months, but any risk is mitigated by the fact that he's entering the final season of his contract and his $10.2 million salary looks like a bargain compared to free agency.

Why New Orleans does it: Evans never really seemed to fit in Alvin Gentry's offense, which ran better with less heralded Ish Smith at the controls. He's either going to leave in free agency or be due a big raise in a year, so the Pelicans would be wise to cash in now and add another young talent to a roster that's light on such players.

3. Celtics trade: No. 23 pick
L.A. Lakers trade: guard Lou Williams

Why Boston does it: Consider this the light version of dealing for Evans. Williams is older (he'll be 30 in October) than Evans and not nearly as versatile defensively. And he'd be tough to play with Isaiah Thomas defensively.

But compared to Evans, Williams is a far more efficient scorer who is two years removed from winning the Sixth Man Award. And Williams' contract (two years remaining at $7 million per year) is eminently reasonable.

Why the Lakers do it: Presumably, the Lakers will want either Jordan Clarkson or D'Angelo Russell on the court at all times, so they don't need Williams' ability to create his own shot as much as the Celtics do. Williams is older than the Lakers' core of young talent and they could probably use the additional cap space either this summer or more likely in 2017.

4. Celtics trade: Picks Nos. 31 and 51
Milwaukee Bucks trade: center Greg Monroe

Why Boston does it: This time a year ago, Monroe was one of the most coveted free agents on the market, and his $17.4 million salary is far less than the current max. He wasn't a great fit in Milwaukee -- and got unfairly blamed for much larger structural problems that caused the Bucks to regress last season -- but Monroe can still score efficiently.

He could fit with the Celtics much like Okafor, and both would benefit from Boston's terrific perimeter defense.

Why Milwaukee does it: Indications are the Bucks want to move Monroe, which would give them far more flexibility with regard to the salary cap and their starting lineup. Getting the valuable top pick of the second round would be something of a win -- and a do-over -- at this point.

5. Celtics trade: No. 35 pick
Minnesota Timberwolves trade: forward Bojan Dubljevic

Why Boston does it: In all likelihood, the Celtics will just draft several international prospects in the second round to stash for the future. But that's not the way this exercise works!


So instead let's just have Boston deal for the rights to a player already drafted. Dubljevic, the No. 59 pick in 2013, was a key part of a Valencia team that finished a game back of better-funded powers FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in the ACB this season. He averaged 24.9 points and 10.9 rebounds per 36 minutes in ACB play and is a dangerous shooter from the FIBA 3-point line. Still just 24, Dubljevic could eventually help the Celtics as a reserve.

Why Minnesota does it: Dubljevic was drafted two regimes ago, so it's unclear how the current Timberwolves management views his potential. He also won't likely come to the NBA until 2017 (when he can opt out of his contract) at the earliest. Minnesota can pick up a valuable pick early in the second round and draft someone who might help the team now.

6. Celtics trade: Picks Nos. 45 and 58
Portland Trail Blazers trade: 2019 (more favorable of L.A. Lakers and Minnesota) and 2021 second-round picks, cash considerations

Why Boston does it: The other likely scenario for the Celtics' second-round picks is sending them to other teams for future picks, allowing Boston to stay well-stocked for trades or to get better picks down the road by being patient.

Why Portland does it: Blazers owner Paul Allen loves the draft, and the team currently has no picks in either round. Expect Portland to find a way into the second round by using Allen's checkbook to help facilitate a trade.

[wdleehi]

Love, just love trade idea number 4. 

[Granath]

Nice article. TP.

#1 - Maybe
#2 - Heck no
#3 - F**k no
#4 - F**k yes
#5 - Heck yes
#6 - Maybe

[TheSundanceKid]

Love, just love trade idea number 4.

I had to read it again just to be sure. How could you not do that deal?

[BornReady]

Nice article. TP.

#1 - Maybe
#2 - Heck no
#3 - F**k no
#4 - F**k yes
#5 - Heck yes
#6 - Maybe

Agreed except 4 is great value but not sure how Monroe fits in our system

[meangreenmachine]

We should revisit trading three to Denver for Nurkic. He is a better fit than Okafor and Monroe, and has the potential to become a defensive player of the year.

Package our next four picks to move back up into the lottery and hope that either Hield or Bender falls. Otherwise, take Poeltl and, boom, we are set at center for years.

Use free agency to address SF and PF. If we do not get Durant this year or next, our consolation prize can be Hayward. In the meantime, we bring back Turner and Johnson. Perhaps next year we luck out and draft Giles.

[Big333223]

Love, just love trade idea number 4.

I had to read it again just to be sure. How could you not do that deal?

Right?

If the C's could actually get Monroe for 2 second rounders, you do that deal in a second. Let Sullinger walk and try to find a shooter on the wing with the #3 (by drafting someone with it or trading it). That would be a nice upgrade for the team.

[Eddie20]

Love, just love trade idea number 4.

Yeah, me too. Monroe gives you everything Okafor does, but with better passing, rebounding, effort, and maturity. He has a player option for 17-18 so he'll likely be opting out.

[A Future of Stevens]

We should revisit trading three to Denver for Nurkic. He is a better fit than Okafor and Monroe, and has the potential to become a defensive player of the year.

Package our next four picks to move back up into the lottery and hope that either Hield or Bender falls. Otherwise, take Poeltl and, boom, we are set at center for years.

Nurkiic is way too much of a liability of defense the way the league is going for my tastes. He also just doesn't fit offensively. Jokic would be the target with the 3, but no way they do that.

If you guys grab monroe (passing ability makes him very viable in our system) who do you take with the 3? I think bender and monroe could work in the future. Both can pass, Monroe could at least body the other center when teams go big, while bender acts as the defensive savant in space. Also monroe helps cover Bender's shortcoming of rebounding. Bender stretches the floor for monroe to work in the post.

[meangreenmachine]

We should revisit trading three to Denver for Nurkic. He is a better fit than Okafor and Monroe, and has the potential to become a defensive player of the year.

Package our next four picks to move back up into the lottery and hope that either Hield or Bender falls. Otherwise, take Poeltl and, boom, we are set at center for years.

Nurkiic is way too much of a liability of defense the way the league is going for my tastes. He also just doesn't fit offensively. Jokic would be the target with the 3, but no way they do that.

Having a big man who can defend the paint and consistently produce a double-double with 32 mpg will never be a liability. Look at Bogut and Trystan Thompson.

[TheSundanceKid]

Love, just love trade idea number 4.

I had to read it again just to be sure. How could you not do that deal?

Right?

If the C's could actually get Monroe for 2 second rounders, you do that deal in a second. Let Sullinger walk and try to find a shooter on the wing with the #3 (by drafting someone with it or trading it). That would be a nice upgrade for the team.

Exactly. I know Sully damaged his value toward the end of the year but I'd still bet he gets close to $15m per year. Given that Monroe is good value. It also means you don't have the pressure of trading that 3rd pick for one of the Philly bigs and you can focus on either a Butler type or just draft the BPA

[Bobshot]

Roto this morning thinks Noel for Dunn will go down. Horford mentioned with Orl, Det and LAL, but no Celtics? Should be still in picture. Can't figure Det.

I can't rule out Noel/Okafor for Dunn via Lakers. Celts get Ingram. Win-win for Danny.

[Bobshot]

Some of those trade scenarios in the trade topic could materialize during the draft, when teams see who is available at different points in the draft. Danny has plenty of picks to be able to move up or down to get a player, or trade for one.

Milwaukee is trying to unload Monroe, who has one year? left at $16 million. He's only 26, but doesn't fit with a D oriented, athletic team. Does he fit as a 4 next to Noel? They do need a scorer up front.

[DarkAzcura]

Surprised how many are for the Monroe trade. He has negative value. He makes teams worse. No way I would ever want the Celtics to trade for him.

[A Future of Stevens]

We should revisit trading three to Denver for Nurkic. He is a better fit than Okafor and Monroe, and has the potential to become a defensive player of the year.

Package our next four picks to move back up into the lottery and hope that either Hield or Bender falls. Otherwise, take Poeltl and, boom, we are set at center for years.

Nurkiic is way too much of a liability of defense the way the league is going for my tastes. He also just doesn't fit offensively. Jokic would be the target with the 3, but no way they do that.

Having a big man who can defend the paint and consistently produce a double-double with 32 mpg will never be a liability. Look at Bogut and Trystan Thompson.

I think Danny is aiming a little higher than TT with the 3rd pick.