one stupid move gutting this team for westbrook

[rollie mass]

he is going to LA-also does he fit with horford and isaiah-be patient danny-
i want to see the celts defense with horford and amir
isaiah and westbrook might clash big time

[Alleyoopster]

Maybe it's Hinkie time. Give up a number of a few good players in the hopes of getting someone better. So what if the team does worse for a few years. It looks like the Warriors have the NBA title wrapped up for 2017 and possibly beyond. 

[GratefulCs]

 Think i would throw up if we gave real assets for westbrook and he walked to The fakers

[Pucaccia]

The Celtics have leverage in this deal. They don't have to gut the team. OKC has to do something, they are the ones that are desperate because they will get nothing in return if they don't do something.

[Ed Hollison]

I don't agree with the premise that he's destined for the Lakers (just haven't seen enough evidence on this, though I keep hearing people repeat it). But with that said, I strongly agree with the conclusion.

I wouldn't give up any one of Jaylen Brown, the 2017 pick, or the 2018 Brooklyn pick for Westbrook.

He's got one year left on his deal and it's a good chance that he leaves a Durant-less OKC (assuming they keep him). You have at least a shot to sign him outright next summer. Remember: We were one of the only teams that Durant took a meeting with, and signed arguably the 2nd-best free agent on the market. Whether or not you like to admit it, Boston is now one of the most attractive destinations for free agents in the NBA.

The only way you give up one of those assets for Westbrook is if you think you can compete for a title this year. And that's such a gamble, given the talent in Golden State, nevermind Cleveland, San Antonio, etc.

Lastly, I. Thomas and Westbrook couldn't play in the same backcourt because they'd be severely subpar defensively, and they both dominate the ball. You'd have to ship IT out with the same trade, if you ask me. And are you willing to do that given the fact you sent IT to the draft lottery, made him the head pitch man in all your free agent efforts, and have otherwise made the face of your franchise? That would not exactly be a good look.

In other words... I don't see the value.

[manl_lui]

if Westbrook signs an extension, you should definitely trade for him! If he comes here and stays here, IT4 goes in my honest opinion as they are both ball dominant PG. But I view Westbrook as a top 15, heck even top 10 player in this league. That's someone you want/need on this team.

[dannyboy35]

Wow. To me Westbrook is a top 4 or 5. No lower.

[max215]

Wow. To me Westbrook is a top 4 or 5. No lower.

Yeah, it's hard to make the argument that he's any worse than 5th or 6th.

[dannyboy35]

If you had Westbrook on board with Horford and decided IT was part of the trade we'd have dough for a third max dude next year? Is that right?

[dannyboy35]

For a lot of last year I considered him a better player than KD bug just that KD fit much better.

[footey]

Wow. To me Westbrook is a top 4 or 5. No lower.

Yeah, it's hard to make the argument that he's any worse than 5th or 6th.

Who cares, if we are talking about a one year rental. Not interested in giving up anything meaningful for that.

[aingeforthree]

if Westbrook signs an extension, you should definitely trade for him! If he comes here and stays here, IT4 goes in my honest opinion as they are both ball dominant PG. But I view Westbrook as a top 15, heck even top 10 player in this league. That's someone you want/need on this team.

Just move IT4 to his backup role. Then look to move him when he's looking around for the brinks truck.

Rozier would be moved in any Westbrook deal, IMO. Maybe Smart.

[dannyboy35]

Nobody would do it for a rental. I think that's been established.

[rochrist]

In any case, it's become evident that there are at /least/ 25 'top five' players in the league.

Seriously, I'd be leary of him. The reports I've read indicated that Durrant left because he just couldn't play with him anymore, even though the two are good friends by all reports. He just gets brainlock in the last five minutes of the game and goes heroball.

[Ed Hollison]

Nobody would do it for a rental. I think that's been established.

If that's the case, then how do you get an assurance from Westbrook that he would re-sign in Boston? Financially speaking, he has every incentive to hit free agency next summer rather than re-up mid-season (doesn't he? not sure). So would you be willing to just do a wink-wink nod-nod verbal agreement that he'd stick around?