IT thinks it would be "good, really good" to acquire DeMarcus Cousins..

[JBcat]

Part of me wants to hold onto our assets and make a run at Blake Griffin with our cap space next year.  Getting Cousins though sure would be nice.  Just worried what the cost would be.

[jpotter33]

I really can't believe people are choosing to part with Smart before Crowder.

It's due to position. Smart will almost certainly be a better overall player than Crowder, who I think is a bit overrated on this blog at times, but Crowder is absolutely essential at the 3 spot right now. Adding Cousins while losing Crowder would be two steps forward and one step back, because we'd then be missing a starting caliber 3. Smart is just a tad bit too small for that role full time, and Brown won't be ready for that role for a couple of years.

With the emergence of Rozier, that also helps to make up a bit for Smart's loss. Smart also has a considerably higher trade value than someone like Crowder, too. Crowded is a high-end role player on the best contract in the NBA, but his overall ceiling is pretty much hit, where Smart still has All-Star potential.

I'd absolutely hate to lose Smart, but if you want to be a title contender now, then you'd have to trade him over Crowder due to the context of our roster.

[Clench123]

Okafor would cost a hell of a lot less than Cousins and IMO acquiring Okafor would create more value than acquiring Cousins.

With Embiid doing so well and the eventual return of Simmons. I could see a simple trade based around:

Smart
4
Okafor

We could throw in RJ too(instead of cutting him)

This way we get to keep all those assets and we get a player that IMO is extremely undervalued both offensively and defensively.

This is EXACTLY how I feel.

[Rosco917]

I'd like to see some signs that Cousins can control his emotions, and show maturity through an NBA season, before I give away the store to trade for, and then sign him.

Were not going to be alone in the quest for Demarcus, the Kings will get a few teams looking to acquirer him.

But, not many teams can come up with a combination of draft picks, and quality players, and still have enough assets left to have a team that will actually still contend, and hopefully make Cousins content.

Myself...I wouldn't over pay. I'd rather test another free agent market.

[hwangjini_1]

Okafor would cost a hell of a lot less than Cousins and IMO acquiring Okafor would create more value than acquiring Cousins.

With Embiid doing so well and the eventual return of Simmons. I could see a simple trade based around:

Smart
4
Okafor

We could throw in RJ too(instead of cutting him)

This way we get to keep all those assets and we get a player that IMO is extremely undervalued both offensively and defensively.

This is EXACTLY how I feel.

I am not sure exactly interested this board is in your feelings. But I am sure many of us would be very interested in your thoughts, reasoning, and arguments.

A much stronger post would include your work, information, stats, reasoning and logic as to why you believe okafur creates more value than cousins.

And while you are at it, maybe define what is meant by "value" here. 

[chambers]

Cousins is an MVP candidate, albeit a headcase.
Okafur is a sokid prospect who has disappointed thus far.

[tazzmaniac]

Cousins is an MVP candidate, albeit a headcase.
Okafur is a sokid prospect who has disappointed thus far.

How has Okafor disappointed?  Nobody should have expected anything but poor defense from him in his first season.  Offensively he was quite good especially considering the horrible PG play and the lack of other threats on the Sixers.     

[Roy H.]

Cousins is an MVP candidate, albeit a headcase.
Okafur is a sokid prospect who has disappointed thus far.

How has Okafor disappointed?  Nobody should have expected anything but poor defense from him in his first season.  Offensively he was quite good especially considering the horrible PG play and the lack of other threats on the Sixers.     

He's been disappointing off the court. Okafor had more run-ins with the law in his rookie season than Boogie has had in his career.

[Phantom255x]

Okafor would cost a hell of a lot less than Cousins and IMO acquiring Okafor would create more value than acquiring Cousins.

With Embiid doing so well and the eventual return of Simmons. I could see a simple trade based around:

Smart
4
Okafor

We could throw in RJ too(instead of cutting him)

This way we get to keep all those assets and we get a player that IMO is extremely undervalued both offensively and defensively.

This is EXACTLY how I feel.

I am not sure exactly interested this board is in your feelings. But I am sure many of us would be very interested in your thoughts, reasoning, and arguments.

A much stronger post would include your work, information, stats, reasoning and logic as to why you believe okafur creates more value than cousins.

And while you are at it, maybe define what is meant by "value" here. 

It's possible they acquire Okafor with his rookie contract to use in an even bigger trade 

He would be another huge trade asset down the road. Especially on a rookie contract.

If not, he could still become a lethal 20/10 big man under Brad Stevens, and he would be surrounded by quite a few defensive-minded guards who can hustle (Bradley, Smart, Crowder, etc.) It would mask a bit of his defensive weaknesses.

That being said I wouldn't do the proposed deal most people have made, such as Smart + Young Player for Okafor straight up.

[Phantom255x]

Part of me wants to hold onto our assets and make a run at Blake Griffin with our cap space next year.  Getting Cousins though sure would be nice.  Just worried what the cost would be.

The thing is, I just don't envision Griffin coming here even if he opts-out of his contract from the Clippers.

He seems destined to be with OKC next season. His hometown, and with Westbrook and Oladipo, that trio and their deep bench would make them legitimate contenders for the future.

Don't get me wrong about this season.. I expect Westbrook to have an exceptional season.. but OKC still look like they will be a "middling" 3-4 seed (at best) in the West that is still not close to the level of Golden State and San Antonio.

If that does happen, Celtics most realistic option is Hayward, or Millsap (though adding Millsap literally just makes us the Atlanta Hawks, except with IT replacing Teague lol)

[tazzmaniac]

Cousins is an MVP candidate, albeit a headcase.
Okafur is a sokid prospect who has disappointed thus far.

How has Okafor disappointed?  Nobody should have expected anything but poor defense from him in his first season.  Offensively he was quite good especially considering the horrible PG play and the lack of other threats on the Sixers.     

He's been disappointing off the court. Okafor had more run-ins with the law in his rookie season than Boogie has had in his career.

I can't argue with that but they were more young and stupid versus hardcore bad apple incidents.  I think he'll be fine this season on the Sixers.  I certainly think being on the Celtics with Horford to mentor would correct his bad behavior. 

[Phantom255x]

If we are trading for Cousins they are going to be demanding a lot for him

They will want at least one if not two of these 3 players

Brown/Smart/Crowder

+ filler players
+ 2 first round picks (probably will demand at least either the swap or the Nets pick next year)

I am unsure if I want to part with either of the 3, it's hard to find a bulldog players that can change the end game with Smart and Crowder's defense.

I'd probably still make that trade at the end cuz [dang], IT/Horford/Cousins is a [dang] good trio

My guess at what a hypothetical deal for Cousins would be: 2017 Brooklyn Pick, Marcus Smart, Amir Johnson, 2018 Boston First Rounder, James Young, and a second rounder. Might be too much but Kings will want a lot for him.

Now.. if it gets to the point where Cousins hates the Kings even more and practically demands a trade... then the Kings won't have much leverage and maybe you actually get to keep an asset or two from that proposal above.

I'd love to at least keep Jaylen Brown and Jae Crowder (contracts are bargains AND C's need depth at the wing position). Still keep the 2018 Brooklyn pick (likely top-5) and future Grizzlies and Clippers picks. Also an IT/Horford/Cousins trio would be deadly. Would suck to lose Smart but maybe that helps the Celtics make some extensions in the future (Smart is an RFA 2018). Also Bradley's defense remains with the team and having Rozier and Jackson helps a bit in filling Smart's role/minutes.

That being said I truthfully don't see a Cousins trade actually happening for Boston. In fact I think, as predictions have stated, Hayward will choose between Utah and BOS next offseason and choose Boston.. so bye bye cap flexibility and time to roll with IT/Horford/Hayward and co. 2017 and beyond

[saltlover]

If we are trading for Cousins they are going to be demanding a lot for him

They will want at least one if not two of these 3 players

Brown/Smart/Crowder

+ filler players
+ 2 first round picks (probably will demand at least either the swap or the Nets pick next year)

I am unsure if I want to part with either of the 3, it's hard to find a bulldog players that can change the end game with Smart and Crowder's defense.

I'd probably still make that trade at the end cuz [dang], IT/Horford/Cousins is a [dang] good trio

My guess at what a hypothetical deal for Cousins would be: 2017 Brooklyn Pick, Marcus Smart, Amir Johnson, 2018 Boston First Rounder, James Young, and a second rounder. Might be too much but Kings will want a lot for him.

Now.. if it gets to the point where Cousins hates the Kings even more and practically demands a trade... then the Kings won't have much leverage and maybe you actually get to keep an asset or two from that proposal above.

I'd love to at least keep Jaylen Brown and Jae Crowder (contracts are bargains AND C's need depth at the wing position). Still keep the 2018 Brooklyn pick (likely top-5) and future Grizzlies and Clippers picks. Also an IT/Horford/Cousins trio would be deadly. Would suck to lose Smart but maybe that helps the Celtics make some extensions in the future (Smart is an RFA 2018). Also Bradley's defense remains with the team and having Rozier and Jackson helps a bit in filling Smart's role/minutes.

That being said I truthfully don't see a Cousins trade actually happening for Boston. In fact I think, as predictions have stated, Hayward will choose between Utah and BOS next offseason and choose Boston.. so bye bye cap flexibility and time to roll with IT/Horford/Hayward and co. 2017 and beyond

Which is a fine team to roll with, since "and co." will include Crowder, Smart, Brown, Olynyk, and a likely top 5 pick in June.

[__ramonezy__]

To be honest, i would steer clear of trades with our current roster,  as the whole is definitely greater than the sum of the parts. We are a team that plays best together, even a supposed small move like moving Smart may throw our chemistry and identity off... and that's something I wouldn't give up for even Lebron. This team has dynasty potential.

Also because of our potential, teams want to rape us in trades and gut our long-term prospects. For Butler I think the Bulls wanted Bradley,  Crowder and our BK picks... no single player is worth that. When I examine the pieces I'm willing to part with (which at the moment is only KO and Rozier) no meaningful trade package is on the market. I'd rather get Noel in free agency or roll the dice with BK's picks on a prospect like Harry Giles. Honestly the only position i feel need upgrading is PF and we don't have to rush to fix it in one off-season

[Roy H.]

This team has dynasty potential.

Unless we land transcendent superstars with the Brooklyn picks, I don't see it.