Sporting News: C's targeting Griffin, will make major deal soon

[max215]

When Sporting News says "soon", what exactly do they mean by that?

I'd expect to see some kind of move before the season starts, but probably a really low-level move to consolidate some assets.  Like maybe trading Young for a future 2nd or something.

We have too many players and not enough roster spots if we want to bring on the 2nd rounders.

I could still see us trading a package around a Brooklyn pick or Marcus Smart for Okafor (though I don't think either really makes sense for Philly).  I wouldn't count on us trading for another all-star, but I could see us making a move for someone like Rudy Gay or maybe something more significant before the deadline in February.  If Griffin or Westbrook gives the official word they are planning on leaving in free agency, I could see us making a move.  But with Durant choosing the Warriors, I don't think anyone is really competing with them anytime soon so I guess it just depends on how this team looks as the season progresses and whether or not it seems wise to go all-in on guys who can help you finish in 2nd place.

If Boston was willing to give up this much for Okafor he would already be a Celtic. Every rumor out there indicates that Okafor's value isn't anywhere close to Smart and Brooklyn pick.

I don't think so.  Makes little sense for Philly to give away Okafor for an unknown draft pick.  That's why they turned down our offers of the 2016 pick for him at the deadline.  Trading for "future assets" is what upset all the anti-Hinkies.

But I wouldn't rule out an Okafor trade happening in some form before the season starts.

I'm going to guarantee you that no one is giving a potential top ten pick for okafor. This draft was garbage and it is widely reported no one was willing to trade a top ten pick for him. In fact noel was worth more. I like you dude, but you're inconsistent with your takes.

I don't think it makes any sense for Philly to trade Okafor for a top 10 pick, so I'll agree that's unlikely to happen.

And no, Noel wasn't worth more than Okafor.  Those "rumors" have all been refuted.  Though I wouldn't be surprised if Philly was trying to trade Noel for a top 3 pick.  Noel is on the final year of his rookie deal.

Ah, the ole tactic of selectively choosing which rumors to believe based on your preconceived notions.

I believe there's a psychological concept defining that logic/tendency... 

Ah, the ole tactic of using general common sense and basic basketball knowledge to determine that there's no way Nerlens Noel actually has more trade value than Jahlil Okafor and there's an obvious financial reason Philly would have been open to moving Noel more than Okafor.

I mean, I never said anything about Noel, but okay. I was referencing the fact that of course you believe those rumors but not the numerous other rumors that are contrary to your stance on Okafor's value.  That's just typical LarBrd33 posting, though..

..... and ignoring the numerous reports

i haven't ignored the reports.  Steve Bulpett says we tried to trade a major package built around the Brooklyn pick for Okafor and were turned down.  I'm not ignoring that.

Lar, you know that's extremely outdated information. C'mon, man.

[jpotter33]

When Sporting News says "soon", what exactly do they mean by that?

I'd expect to see some kind of move before the season starts, but probably a really low-level move to consolidate some assets.  Like maybe trading Young for a future 2nd or something.

We have too many players and not enough roster spots if we want to bring on the 2nd rounders.

I could still see us trading a package around a Brooklyn pick or Marcus Smart for Okafor (though I don't think either really makes sense for Philly).  I wouldn't count on us trading for another all-star, but I could see us making a move for someone like Rudy Gay or maybe something more significant before the deadline in February.  If Griffin or Westbrook gives the official word they are planning on leaving in free agency, I could see us making a move.  But with Durant choosing the Warriors, I don't think anyone is really competing with them anytime soon so I guess it just depends on how this team looks as the season progresses and whether or not it seems wise to go all-in on guys who can help you finish in 2nd place.

If Boston was willing to give up this much for Okafor he would already be a Celtic. Every rumor out there indicates that Okafor's value isn't anywhere close to Smart and Brooklyn pick.

I don't think so.  Makes little sense for Philly to give away Okafor for an unknown draft pick.  That's why they turned down our offers of the 2016 pick for him at the deadline.  Trading for "future assets" is what upset all the anti-Hinkies.

But I wouldn't rule out an Okafor trade happening in some form before the season starts.

I'm going to guarantee you that no one is giving a potential top ten pick for okafor. This draft was garbage and it is widely reported no one was willing to trade a top ten pick for him. In fact noel was worth more. I like you dude, but you're inconsistent with your takes.

I don't think it makes any sense for Philly to trade Okafor for a top 10 pick, so I'll agree that's unlikely to happen.

And no, Noel wasn't worth more than Okafor.  Those "rumors" have all been refuted.  Though I wouldn't be surprised if Philly was trying to trade Noel for a top 3 pick.  Noel is on the final year of his rookie deal.

Ah, the ole tactic of selectively choosing which rumors to believe based on your preconceived notions.

I believe there's a psychological concept defining that logic/tendency... 

Ah, the ole tactic of using general common sense and basic basketball knowledge to determine that there's no way Nerlens Noel actually has more trade value than Jahlil Okafor and there's an obvious financial reason Philly would have been open to moving Noel more than Okafor.

I mean, I never said anything about Noel, but okay. I was referencing the fact that of course you believe those rumors but not the numerous other rumors that are contrary to your stance on Okafor's value.  That's just typical LarBrd33 posting, though..

..... and ignoring the numerous reports

i haven't ignored the reports.  Steve Bulpett says we tried to trade a major package built around the Brooklyn pick for Okafor and were turned down.  I'm not ignoring that.

When?? At the deadline?? Perfect example of your logic - use reports from six months ago when newer reports are available simply because they don't fit with the narrative that you're pushing. It is CLEAR that they could not get the number three pick for Okafor at the draft. Period.

You would've thought that you've ate enough crow with regard to your Philly obsession over the past couple of years that you'd back off these crazy comments and assessments..

[Bobshot]

When Sporting News says "soon", what exactly do they mean by that?

I'd expect to see some kind of move before the season starts, but probably a really low-level move to consolidate some assets.  Like maybe trading Young for a future 2nd or something.

We have too many players and not enough roster spots if we want to bring on the 2nd rounders.

I could still see us trading a package around a Brooklyn pick or Marcus Smart for Okafor (though I don't think either really makes sense for Philly).  I wouldn't count on us trading for another all-star, but I could see us making a move for someone like Rudy Gay or maybe something more significant before the deadline in February.  If Griffin or Westbrook gives the official word they are planning on leaving in free agency, I could see us making a move.  But with Durant choosing the Warriors, I don't think anyone is really competing with them anytime soon so I guess it just depends on how this team looks as the season progresses and whether or not it seems wise to go all-in on guys who can help you finish in 2nd place.

If Boston was willing to give up this much for Okafor he would already be a Celtic. Every rumor out there indicates that Okafor's value isn't anywhere close to Smart and Brooklyn pick.

I don't think so.  Makes little sense for Philly to give away Okafor for an unknown draft pick.  That's why they turned down our offers of the 2016 pick for him at the deadline.  Trading for "future assets" is what upset all the anti-Hinkies.

But I wouldn't rule out an Okafor trade happening in some form before the season starts.

I'm going to guarantee you that no one is giving a potential top ten pick for okafor. This draft was garbage and it is widely reported no one was willing to trade a top ten pick for him. In fact noel was worth more. I like you dude, but you're inconsistent with your takes.

I don't think it makes any sense for Philly to trade Okafor for a top 10 pick, so I'll agree that's unlikely to happen.

And no, Noel wasn't worth more than Okafor.  Those "rumors" have all been refuted.  Though I wouldn't be surprised if Philly was trying to trade Noel for a top 3 pick.  Noel is on the final year of his rookie deal.

Ah, the ole tactic of selectively choosing which rumors to believe based on your preconceived notions.

I believe there's a psychological concept defining that logic/tendency... 

Ah, the ole tactic of using general common sense and basic basketball knowledge to determine that there's no way Nerlens Noel actually has more trade value than Jahlil Okafor and there's an obvious financial reason Philly would have been open to moving Noel more than Okafor.

I mean, I never said anything about Noel, but okay. I was referencing the fact that of course you believe those rumors but not the numerous other rumors that are contrary to your stance on Okafor's value.  That's just typical LarBrd33 posting, though..

..... and ignoring the numerous reports

The Sixers are now willing to deal Noel or Okafor, according to the Philly media. Right now, Ainge has bigger fish to fry, but that could change in time. I doubt the Nets picks would have to be involved for either at this point.

[Bobshot]

Why do I get the impression Bulpett knows a hell of a lot more than he's willing to admit? And most of what he has been saying lately sounds like it's been cleared for publication by the Celtics Information office.

I think it's remarkable that a couple of no names on twitter started making noise about a Griffin deal a week or so ago--even offering particulars. While most of the mainstream has been either quiet or negative. Deveney of SN, I guess is the only mainstreamer who has been implying the same--with less detail. According to the tweets, something should have happened by tonite.

So lo and behold, Ainge, IT and a couple of other Celtics officials  suddenly wind up in San Diego today. Not a peep from Bulpett & Co. The smoke is getting thicker. The tweeters just bought some time.

You get that impression because he does, and he is careful about what he says to remain as connected within the organization as he is.

Agreed. The advantage the free lancers have. Believing anybody is a slippery slope.

[max215]

Why do I get the impression Bulpett knows a hell of a lot more than he's willing to admit? And most of what he has been saying lately sounds like it's been cleared for publication by the Celtics Information office.

I think it's remarkable that a couple of no names on twitter started making noise about a Griffin deal a week or so ago--even offering particulars. While most of the mainstream has been either quiet or negative. Deveney of SN, I guess is the only mainstreamer who has been implying the same--with less detail. According to the tweets, something should have happened by tonite.

So lo and behold, Ainge, IT and a couple of other Celtics officials  suddenly wind up in San Diego today. Not a peep from Bulpett & Co. The smoke is getting thicker. The tweeters just bought some time.

You get that impression because he does, and he is careful about what he says to remain as connected within the organization as he is.

Agreed. The advantage the free lancers have. Believing anybody is a slippery slope.

Bulpett's great, but trusting anyone absolutely is dangerous; EVERYONE has an agenda, and Bulpett's is to remain as plugged into the Celtics as anyone. Overall, I'd choose to believe Bulpett over just about everyone else when if comes to the Celtics, though.

[Dino Pitino]

Smitty is legit.

Look at this and tell me this isn't legit info:

http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1465816&start=1180#start_here

Verbatim quotes with obscenities.

He was legit shooting the Edited.  Profanity and masked profanity are against forum rules and may result in discipline. with real NBA employees.

[saltlover]

So th clippers just signed Brandon Bass? Why would they need another PF? They also drafted Brice Johnson.

Because Doc doesn't play rookies.  Also, I bet Brandon Dawson is released.

Johnson is not your typical rookie, he is a 4 year player that dominated at a elite program. I bet he plays minutes for them. Especially if they trade Blake.

It doesn't matter.  Doc might let Johnson beat out Bass for backup minutes, but he's not going to hand him that role.  There's also some concern obviously with Blake's health.  Brandon Dawson is going to be cut at the end of trading camp, and Blake will still be on the team.  I guarantee you that.  You can come back to this thread in three months and give me a TP for being right.

First part of my statement was true.  Brandon Dawson is gone.  From ESPN:

The Los Angeles Clippers have waived forward Branden Dawson, who played sparingly for them as a rookie last season.

The team announced Sunday they were cutting ties with the former Michigan State standout, who became expendable after the Clippers' reported acquisition of veteran power forward Brandon Bass, which the team has yet to officially announce.

[alldaboston]

RealGM is literally in flames right now. Horribly toxic environment there. I hate posting there, it's so negative and so evil, lol.

Side note (for those who believe Smitty): it seems he may stop posting there. Lots of users are attacking him there, and to make it worse, guys like Dan Lifshatz and our own Kevin O'Connor cited him recently and used the quotes that he had obtained  from his sources. I think it's very likely that at the end of all this, he unfortunately loses a few of his contacts. He already lost one earlier this week due to people posting it all over twitter.

Basically, RealGM is in a bad state right now.

[Kane3387]

Dan lishatz and stonewall sieve interview here:

https://m.soundcloud.com/greenbanners/green-banners-sources-edition-with-danlifshatz-and-stonewallsieve

[LarBrd33]

RealGM is literally in flames right now. Horribly toxic environment there. I hate posting there, it's so negative and so evil, lol.

Side note (for those who believe Smitty): it seems he may stop posting there. Lots of users are attacking him there, and to make it worse, guys like Dan Lifshatz and our own Kevin O'Connor cited him recently and used the quotes that he had obtained  from his sources. I think it's very likely that at the end of all this, he unfortunately loses a few of his contacts. He already lost one earlier this week due to people posting it all over twitter.

Basically, RealGM is in a bad state right now.

Let it burn.  It's about time those fanboys overthrow their fake insiders and clean house.  I'm not sure how they've survived a decade of seeing these trolls post fake information without demanding a better moderation team.

Frankly, anyone who quoted these people in their articles should be ashamed.  It's worse than a tabloid.  It's "Weekly World News" level nonsense.

That said, maybe we trade for Blake tomorrow and these people take credit... despite the fact people like Bill Simmons have been saying for several months that Blake Griffin is the sleeper trade candidate.

[LilRip]

I don't really care what's happening to RealGM.

Still, I wouldn't mind seeing some fireworks this offseason. As others have said, the rebuild is over. If we can make a move to land a player of Blake's caliber, or Westbrook's caliber (for the record, I wouldn't mind having Westbrook. My concern is just his fit with IT), I think it launches us to contender status.

[Bobshot]

I don't really care what's happening to RealGM.

Still, I wouldn't mind seeing some fireworks this offseason. As others have said, the rebuild is over. If we can make a move to land a player of Blake's caliber, or Westbrook's caliber (for the record, I wouldn't mind having Westbrook. My concern is just his fit with IT), I think it launches us to contender status.

Yeah, I think the rebuild is pretty much over, too. The rebuild left them short up front. They corrected that some by signing Horford. But that isn't enough to make them a contender. So now they have to go the trade route, unless they wait for FAs next year. But FAs only go to contenders, so they will have to be a contender to get one. So it's back to the trade route.

They have all those no.1s still out there. What's their best use? More 19yos, or trades now? I say trades now. Westbrook looks good because most don't think he stays in OKC. But will he agree to extend in Boston? Maybe that's why Ainge was in SD yesterday. Who knows. Presti is between a rock and a hard place on Westbrook. He can't get anything for him unless he agrees to an extension--or gives a team assurance he will extend in a year. The other problem with Westbrook is he does nothing to improve the Celtics up front--where they need more improvement. And, as the quote says, is a possible clash with IT.

As for Griffin, it's anybody's guess what's happening there. Nobody's talking, except for some enticing rumors and coincidences. If he's healthy, he's a better fit. Probably Ainge's main target.

[TwinTower14]

C's get Blake yet? A car salesman told me it was imminent.

[kozlodoev]

RealGM is literally in flames right now. Horribly toxic environment there. I hate posting there, it's so negative and so evil, lol.

When was it ever different than that?

[Mattybriand]

RealGM is literally in flames right now. Horribly toxic environment there. I hate posting there, it's so negative and so evil, lol.

When was it ever different than that?

Tried it out for the first time the other day and within 2 posts I said my goodbyes terrible environment!