Westbrook Trade Rumors (Beck)

[walker834]

I still find it hard to believe we would give up much for just one year of Westbrook (and a hope that maybe he signs with us) and I find it even harder to believe that Westbrook would extend with us this summer and forego free agency.

I would not mind being wrong about this so long as I am wrong about both.

That's fair.  Westbrook + Horford basically equals OKC without Durant + Ibaka as it stands though.  We have a better coach.  Better roleplayers with Isaiah off the bench in a james harden role.  I don't know how that team beats GS though unless Brad is really that good. If we add Blake to that then we are talking and Westbrook might sign an extension here.

In the unlikely (in my opinion) event that we are able to trade for Westbrook, I believe that IT would be traded too, likely back to OKC but if not, then elsewhere.  IT off the bench no longer makes sense after last season.

I'm just trying to make sense of how this would actually work where we are putting ourselves in a position to win a championship.   Otherwise it really makes no sense.  In order to that Smart or Isaiah plus one of the nets picks would have to go to OKC.  The other pick would have to go for Blake or someone of that caliber plus players somehow. Smart is originally from Oklahoma so it makes some sense that way.  I'm not saying I'm for or against it.

Trading for Westbrook otherwise really makes no sense for us unless we are ultimately landing another star.  We are better off just building with what we have.

We wouldn't be trading for Westbrook waiting for teams like GS and Cleveland to wind down. It would more be to make a run at them now.

Westbrook would obviously have to be locked up for the next 4 or 5 years to do that.  No way I make this trade unless Westbrook is locked up.

[kozlodoev]

Horseturd alert.

"I'm hearing" seems to right now be an euphemism for "I'm making stuff up but I don't want to outright lie about having a source".

[jpotter33]

I think it's pretty ridiculous how against some of you are against attaining a top-5 player in the league.

First, no, Westbrook isn't going to extend his contract, but it's silly to think that Danny won't have some kind of reassurance that we'd be the frontrunner to re-sign him next summer. Everyone knows that the Love deal had a sort of "handshake agreement" to it that he would re-sign there, and the same thing would have to happen for Danny to actually trade for Westbrook. He's not going to do it without talking to Westbrook and receiving some sort of reassurance that he's just not going to straght-up go to Cali or New York next year. The deal won't happen otherwise.

Second, people saying that he doesn't fit "our style" are completely off-base. The beauty of Stevens is that he literally doesn't have a style, and he tailors his game-plans according to the talent that he has on his roster. If after watching Brad's genius for three years you don't think he would be able to properly utilize Westbrook, then you haven't been paying attention. Further, Bradley, Crowder, and Horford are all nearly perfect complements to Westbrook in the starting lineup, because they're A) not high usage players, B) excellent defenders, and C) all good to above average shooters at their position that will space the floor. And moving IT to his more natural sixth man position would just make us one of the most dangerous offensive teams throughout the entire 48 minutes of the game. And if IT has a problem with moving back to the sixth man spot, then he can get shipped out. If he truly wants to win, then he won't have a problem with it. It's not like he's going to be riding the bench; he'll be the OKC James Harden of the group.

Third, outside of Lebron James, can you think of any other player that has times of complete dominance like Westbrook? There are times when he's legitimately un-guardable, and who on Cleveland or Golden State is going to be able to stop him? He's an absolute nightmare to game-plan against us, and he'd legitimately be an MVP candidate in Boston.

Just think of the spacing in the lane and the defensive support that we could provide Westbrook (assuming a trade of something like Amir, Rozier, Brown, Young, Hunter, Brooklyn 2018 pick, and Clippers 2019 pick for Westbrook and Morrow)

PG: Westbrook, IT
SG: Bradley, Smart
SF: Crowder, Morrow
PF: Olynyk, JJ
C: Horford, ?? (Maybe Zeller re-signed somehow)

[walker834]

Horseturd alert.

"I'm hearing" seems to right now be an euphemism for "I'm making stuff up but I don't want to outright lie about having a source".

That's the issue with hearing lol.  A lot of people hear what they want to hear.  We'll find out I guess considering he is saying Westbrook will be moved sooner rather than later and it's us who are the frontrunners.

[outcry]

I'm currently having a good time laughing at these twitter handles who have 30-40 followers "breaking" trades. "I have a family member in the organization." This stuff is gold.

[kozlodoev]

I'm currently having a good time laughing at these twitter handles who have 30-40 followers "breaking" trades. "I have a family member in the organization." This stuff is gold.

I must be getting old (or the blog is getting young). CB peeps used to be a lot less gullible and a lot more cynical back in the day.  Now we have a 15-page thread about someone's hyperactive imagination

[jpotter33]

Horseturd alert.

"I'm hearing" seems to right now be an euphemism for "I'm making stuff up but I don't want to outright lie about having a source".

Beck is one of the more respectable sources at Bleacher Report. He's no Woj or Stein, but he's certainly a reputable source.

[walker834]

For one Danny Ainge is not gullible.  I can 100 percent guarantee if Westbrook ever comes here it will be with him signing an extension.  It will also be to put us in position to win a championship which would mean we are also getting someone else ultimately which might entice Westbrook to do that. Otherwise it makes zero sense.

There is no point even discussing him coming here without an extension. Danny ainge is not stupid or that shortsighted.

Whether this rumor is bs who knows but that stuff I can 100  percent guarantee.

If we get Westbrook without an extension and give up valuable assets to do that, that makes no sense

[ChillyWilly]

I think it's pretty ridiculous how against some of you are against attaining a top-5 player in the league.

First, no, Westbrook isn't going to extend his contract, but it's silly to think that Danny won't have some kind of reassurance that we'd be the frontrunner to re-sign him next summer. Everyone knows that the Love deal had a sort of "handshake agreement" to it that he would re-sign there, and the same thing would have to happen for Danny to actually trade for Westbrook. He's not going to do it without talking to Westbrook and receiving some sort of reassurance that he's just not going to straght-up go to Cali or New York next year. The deal won't happen otherwise.

Second, people saying that he doesn't fit "our style" are completely off-base. The beauty of Stevens is that he literally doesn't have a style, and he tailors his game-plans according to the talent that he has on his roster. If after watching Brad's genius for three years you don't think he would be able to properly utilize Westbrook, then you haven't been paying attention. Further, Bradley, Crowder, and Horford are all nearly perfect complements to Westbrook in the starting lineup, because they're A) not high usage players, B) excellent defenders, and C) all good to above average shooters at their position that will space the floor. And moving IT to his more natural sixth man position would just make us one of the most dangerous offensive teams throughout the entire 48 minutes of the game. And if IT has a problem with moving back to the sixth man spot, then he can get shipped out. If he truly wants to win, then he won't have a problem with it. It's not like he's going to be riding the bench; he'll be the OKC James Harden of the group.

Third, outside of Lebron James, can you think of any other player that has times of complete dominance like Westbrook? There are times when he's legitimately un-guardable, and who on Cleveland or Golden State is going to be able to stop him? He's an absolute nightmare to game-plan against us, and he'd legitimately be an MVP candidate in Boston.

Just think of the spacing in the lane and the defensive support that we could provide Westbrook (assuming a trade of something like Amir, Rozier, Brown, Young, Hunter, Brooklyn 2018 pick, and Clippers 2019 pick for Westbrook and Morrow)

PG: Westbrook, IT
SG: Bradley, Smart
SF: Crowder, Morrow
PF: Olynyk, JJ
C: Horford, ?? (Maybe Zeller re-signed somehow)

If we can acquire Westbrook without giving up Bradley and Crowder I'm all in on that. That starting 5 would cause some serious issues on both sides of the floor against any team. Easily top 2 in the East and maybe top 5-6 overall. Gives you a punchers chance at a finals appearance.

[kozlodoev]

Horseturd alert.

"I'm hearing" seems to right now be an euphemism for "I'm making stuff up but I don't want to outright lie about having a source".

Beck is one of the more respectable sources at Bleacher Report. He's no Woj or Stein, but he's certainly a reputable source.

Beck says that some unnamed GM told him OKC may be trading Westbrook and they think Boston is the most logical destination. That's, by the way, very far removed from being an actual transaction rumor in any form or shape.

I meant the other dude who is "hearing" that it's done deal pending details.

[jpotter33]

For one Danny Ainge is not gullible.  I can 100 percent guarantee if Westbrook ever comes here it will be with him signing an extension.  It will also be to put us in position to win a championship which would mean we are also getting someone else ultimately which might entice Westbrook to do that. Otherwise it makes zero sense.

There is no point even discussing him coming here without an extension. Danny ainge is not stupid.

1. He's not signing an extension.

2. Danny understands this (because it literally makes no sense for RW)

3. Danny would still chance it as long as he talked to RW and got a good read on his intentions

[Bobshot]

I'll say this, if OKC is convinced Westbrook is leaving next year, they would be fools to pass up the '18 Nets pick for him.

The only thing I can figure on the Celtics end is that Ainge has a Cousins or Griffin with the other Nets pick, and Westbrook suddenly wants to extend in Boston after they win 60 games this season.

[walker834]

Horseturd alert.

"I'm hearing" seems to right now be an euphemism for "I'm making stuff up but I don't want to outright lie about having a source".

Beck is one of the more respectable sources at Bleacher Report. He's no Woj or Stein, but he's certainly a reputable source.

Beck says that some unnamed GM told him OKC may be trading Westbrook and they think Boston is the most logical destination. That's, by the way, very far removed from being an actual transaction rumor in any form or shape.

I meant the other dude who is "hearing" that it's done deal pending details.

Beck's words weren't actually that though although I agree people run with things and misconstrue what people actually say.  Beck did say

What I’m hearing here in Las Vegas from some GMs is that not only do they think Westbrook will get traded, that it’ll be sooner rather than later, probably before the season starts,” Beck said. “And that the most likely destination right now would be the Boston Celtics.”

Is that purposely worded to sound like something else?  probably although I agree with you.

There are a lot of hurdles where that would actually happen.  A lot of talk goes on. People speculating etc...

These other guys running with it are just doing what they do.  Taking the easy route to get attention.  Not really giving us any real details at all. 

[PaulPierce34G]

I'm currently having a good time laughing at these twitter handles who have 30-40 followers "breaking" trades. "I have a family member in the organization." This stuff is gold.

I must be getting old (or the blog is getting young). CB peeps used to be a lot less gullible and a lot more cynical back in the day.  Now we have a 15-page thread about someone's hyperactive imagination

I'll go with the latter.  Can't remember things being some rampant around here.  Oh well, makes for good discussion once in a while. 

I think Bradley or Thomas goes, but the thing with Thomas is that, in my opinion, it would be a slap in the face to trade him right now.  The guy basically was your free agency poster boy, was extremely vocal about getting out there and making pitches, was sent to the draft lotto as the team representative.  I know in the business world (as the NBA is a business) things are black and white, but if you want to add shades of gray...total D move if he is included in the trade.  I think they've got to keep him for at least the season. 

Also, if this guy's rumor is true and BOS only included the 2018 BK pick as the main prize with respect to picks, Westbrook must not be promising an extension right off the bat.  Just my guess.

[Dino Pitino]

Whatever happens, this has been one hell of an offseason. Close to signing or trading for a top 5 player twice in the span of a couple weeks. We either placed or showed in the Durant Sweepstakes, and we're in position to do the same for Westbrook now and at this moment we might win. Ainge has been stockpiling picks and prospects and bargains, like a prepper stockpiles goods and ammunition, all for right now, July of 2016. Cue the Ron Paul "It's Happening!" memes. Wyc is hovering next to the fireworks depot with a match. Danny Ainge is incredible, no matter what happens right now. We have the best GM in the league at nearly the maximum amount of tradeable asset value that a team can reasonably have these days. It's good to be a Celtics fan.