SI - Korver trade is a message to Celtics and Raptors to act

[Moranis]

This isn't our window and I don't see any trade we can make to change that.   Really the most likely result is making a misguided run at a window that doesn't exist and ruining our chance of a window in the next generation that could exist if we get lucky with the picks.

Then Boston should trade everyone that won't be around or nearly as effective when it is Boston's window.

[oldtype]

This isn't our window and I don't see any trade we can make to change that.   Really the most likely result is making a misguided run at a window that doesn't exist and ruining our chance of a window in the next generation that could exist if we get lucky with the picks.

Then Boston should trade everyone that won't be around or nearly as effective when it is Boston's window.

Not necessarily. There is equity in maintaining a team that's reasonably competent while we transition to the next one.

I doubt we'd get much in the way of premium assets for firesaling IT, AB, or Horford.  Thse are players who are great for the Celtics but not necessarily in demand for the teams that have high draft picks to trade.

By not trading them, we could have a team that:

a) Is much more fun to watch than whatever house of horrors we'd put out otherwise.
b) Could find itself becoming a contending team if unexpected internal development occurs (i.e. Marcus Smart or Jaylen Brown is suddenly an all star)
c) Has a punter's chance at making a run to the title if injuries break our way.

Sign Hayward/Milsap in free agency, extend everybody, and make the picks.  Roll this team on until whatever combination of Smart/Brown/2017/2018 are ready to take over.  That's the most likely plan right now and it's not a bad plan at all.

[LarBrd33]

This isn't our window and I don't see any trade we can make to change that.   Really the most likely result is making a misguided run at a window that doesn't exist and ruining our chance of a window in the next generation that could exist if we get lucky with the picks.

Then Boston should trade everyone that won't be around or nearly as effective when it is Boston's window.

i think there might be something to the idea of developing players the San Antonio way.  Our team will be plenty competitive over the next five years and that might be an ideal environment to develop the picks we hope become stars.   At some point, those older players who helped us remain competitive will need to be shipped off for picks though.  Continue the cycle.

[Donoghus]

This isn't our window and I don't see any trade we can make to change that.   Really the most likely result is making a misguided run at a window that doesn't exist and ruining our chance of a window in the next generation that could exist if we get lucky with the picks.

Then Boston should trade everyone that won't be around or nearly as effective when it is Boston's window.

Care to fill us in when exactly that window will start?

[mctyson]

SI - Korver trade is a message to Celtics and Raptors to act

Korver is a 35 year-old 3pt specialist.  Yes, he might be one of the best ever at that specialty, but that is it.

He is replacing Josh Smith JR Smith who actually can do a lot more than that.  I am not downplaying Korver's ability or the fact that this makes Cleveland more dangerous, but honestly is is no message to anyone let alone the Celtics.

Fixed it for you.  No one can replace JSmoove.

LOL thanks.  Been a long day. 

[mctyson]

SI - Korver trade is a message to Celtics and Raptors to act

Korver is a 35 year-old 3pt specialist.  Yes, he might be one of the best ever at that specialty, but that is it.

He is replacing Josh Smith JR Smith who actually can do a lot more than that.  I am not downplaying Korver's ability or the fact that this makes Cleveland more dangerous, but honestly is is no message to anyone let alone the Celtics.

Fixed it for you.  No one can replace JSmoove.

What other things can JR Smith do that the remaining players can't make up for? 

I think JR Smith's contribution to the Cavs winning a championship is underrated by people on this board.  Yeah Lebron and Kyrie were the real reasons, but I don't think they win without JR.

It is why he get a massive deal in the offseason from championship squad after being a toss-over from the Knicks.

[knuckleballer]

This isn't our window and I don't see any trade we can make to change that.   Really the most likely result is making a misguided run at a window that doesn't exist and ruining our chance of a window in the next generation that could exist if we get lucky with the picks.

I think a Cousins trade changes that.  Unfortunately, the most dysfunctionally run team in the league will likely choose to remain dysfunctional and hold on to him.

[Ilikesports17]

This isn't our window and I don't see any trade we can make to change that.   Really the most likely result is making a misguided run at a window that doesn't exist and ruining our chance of a window in the next generation that could exist if we get lucky with the picks.

Then Boston should trade everyone that won't be around or nearly as effective when it is Boston's window.

Too hard to pin point future window of contention. All we know is that it is not this season.

[saltlover]

SI - Korver trade is a message to Celtics and Raptors to act

Korver is a 35 year-old 3pt specialist.  Yes, he might be one of the best ever at that specialty, but that is it.

He is replacing Josh Smith JR Smith who actually can do a lot more than that.  I am not downplaying Korver's ability or the fact that this makes Cleveland more dangerous, but honestly is is no message to anyone let alone the Celtics.

Fixed it for you.  No one can replace JSmoove.

What other things can JR Smith do that the remaining players can't make up for? 

I think JR Smith's contribution to the Cavs winning a championship is underrated by people on this board.  Yeah Lebron and Kyrie were the real reasons, but I don't think they win without JR.

It is why he get a massive deal in the offseason from championship squad after being a toss-over from the Knicks.

I agree with you.  But Korver is nice now and when Smith returns.  A Kyrie/Smith/Korver/LeBron/Love lineup surrounds LeBron with four 40% 3-pt shooters.  If you double him, you will pay.

[clevelandceltic]

Who said that Lowry and IT arent studs. Top 20 player is top 5% of the entire league. It not like everyone can be top 5%.

Its no disrespect to say that they are in the 20 - 25 range. That's high praise. You are taking this as a knock of some type. It doesnt even mean that these guys arent all - star level players.

I guess let me put this in another way. Lets look at Pierce, KG, and Allen. All were all stars. All were multiple time all stars. I hope we can agree on this. If I had to rank the 3 I would go KG, Pierce, then Ray. The KG type players are MVP level players. In today's game I would thats Durant, LeBron, Davis, Kawhi, Curry, Harden, and Westbrook. The next group is the bonafide stars. Guys that are clearly the best players on their teams unless one of the above comes along. Those players are Kyrie, George, Lillard, Cousins, CP3, Thompson. The rest are in the Allen category for me. Top players. All stars. Very very good but if I can trade for one of the guys above for IT, or Lowry or whomever on that list I run and go do that deal.

 

Even if you scratched off the names you scratched off that still puts him barely in the top 20. I would also say that Lillard is certainly a better player and while some obviously disagree I think Towns is on the outer edges of top 20.

Let be real here. If virtually any of these players were offered straight up for IT you would jump on that deal. There are very few players on that list that you would even think twice about.

Being fringe top 20 like Lowry, DeRozen, IT, Horford is good enough to get you a ton of wins. They are also good enough to win you a few rounds if paired with the right players.

My point is this, in order to beat the Cavs today, the Cs need a top 15 player. If Horford and IT are so close to top 20 or are in the top 20 we should be much closer to contenders than we currently are.

Ok lets go through the names because if they are top 20 they are on the fringe:

LeBron
Kyrie
Love
Butler
George
Greek Freak
Wall
Lillard
Hayward
Westbrook
Towns
Aldridge
Kawhi
Davis
Marc Gasol
Harden
Cousins
Blake
CP3
Jordan
Durant
Draymond
Curry
Thompson

Lowry is better than all 8 players I crossed out. Thomas is better than almost all of them.

This season Thomas has actually been better than Steph, CP3, Kyrie, and George as well. Horford isnt a top 20 player and I think Derozan is in the 20-30 range as you placed him.

I really don't understand how people come up with these lists. Lowry was a starter in the all-star game, was the best player on a top 5 team in the league. Nearly made the all-defensive second team and people have him behind a guy like Towns that, while still tremendously talented, is actually trying to learn how to play defense at the NBA level and has led his team to the worst records in the leage in his short time in the league. Don't get me wrong, I think Towns will be great, but he is not in the same league as Lowry is right now or how Lowry performed last season. We have to stop calling players top 20 players because they are on sportscenters or hot names.
EDIT: To be clear I agree i was agreeing with ilikesports about the rankings

Edit2: The idea that Hayward, who has never been an all star, is better than Lowry is also pretty ridiculous

Everyone seems to agree the cavs are borderline untouchable. Also, I think you are pretty substantially disrespecting Kyle Lowry. Isaiah I'll accept as a fringe top 20 guy but this season he has played like a fringe top 10 guy.

The "who wouldn't you trade Thomas for" Line of thinking is irrelevant .

Moreover, I disagree with the bolded. There are currently 2 or 3 contenders depending on how you feel about the Spurs.

Golden State has what Id say are the 2nd and 3rd best players in the league, San Antonio, Id say has the 4th best player in the league and the best coach of this generation and Cleveland has the best player since Michael Jordan.

Those teams are obviously far superior to a team who has 2 top 20 players(and I agree that Al is not top 20) I also think Derozan is pretty overrated, but Lowry is really a stud. Maybe even a top 15 guy in my mind.

[fairweatherfan]

This isn't our window and I don't see any trade we can make to change that.   Really the most likely result is making a misguided run at a window that doesn't exist and ruining our chance of a window in the next generation that could exist if we get lucky with the picks.

Then Boston should trade everyone that won't be around or nearly as effective when it is Boston's window.

Care to fill us in when exactly that window will start?

Trading everyone who "won't be around" is just a wee bit circular too.


Bottom line this wasn't our year to compete with Cleveland with or without Korver. That ship sailed with Durant. This year is about continuing to improve as a team, build a winning culture, and solidify our future core while also improving the trade value of the present core. No need for a panic trade, let alone several.

[Redz]

Raptors might have Sully in their deck sometime by Spring

by RotoWire Staff | Special to CBSSports.com
(1 hr ago) Sullinger (foot) took part in four-on-four drills during Friday's practice, Josh Lewenberg of TSN reports.
According to Lewenberg, it's the most rigorous workout Sullinger has performed with the Raptors since he was shut down during the preseason with a sore left foot that ultimately required surgery. The Raptors still haven't offered a firm timetable on Sullinger's return, but a more concrete date could emerge once he's taking part in a full-court, full-contact five-on-five drills. In addition to Friday's workout, Sullinger was also putting some shots during the Raptors' pregame warmup ahead of Thursday's contest with the Jazz. Taking part in on-court activities in back-to-back days would certainly seem to indicate Sullinger is inching closer toward his season debut.

[knuckleballer]

Raptors might have Sully in their deck sometime by Spring

by RotoWire Staff | Special to CBSSports.com
(1 hr ago) Sullinger (foot) took part in four-on-four drills during Friday's practice, Josh Lewenberg of TSN reports.
According to Lewenberg, it's the most rigorous workout Sullinger has performed with the Raptors since he was shut down during the preseason with a sore left foot that ultimately required surgery. The Raptors still haven't offered a firm timetable on Sullinger's return, but a more concrete date could emerge once he's taking part in a full-court, full-contact five-on-five drills. In addition to Friday's workout, Sullinger was also putting some shots during the Raptors' pregame warmup ahead of Thursday's contest with the Jazz. Taking part in on-court activities in back-to-back days would certainly seem to indicate Sullinger is inching closer toward his season debut.

Any information on his physical shape?  After so much time off with a foot injury, I'd be surprised if he's under 300 pounds.

[SHAQATTACK]

Cavs sent a message , 


Make our day ...punks


"DO NOTHING "...

[PhoSita]

This isn't our window and I don't see any trade we can make to change that.   Really the most likely result is making a misguided run at a window that doesn't exist and ruining our chance of a window in the next generation that could exist if we get lucky with the picks.

Then Boston should trade everyone that won't be around or nearly as effective when it is Boston's window.

Care to fill us in when exactly that window will start?

Yeah I mean, imagine we get really lucky and one of these BRK picks turns into a Towns / Porzingis / Embiid etc type talent.

As soon as 2-3 years from now, the team could suddenly become a lot better with a sudden infusion of talent like that.

Of course, that's not especially likely, but who knows?

There's just not a lot of reason in blowing it up now when we are going to get a top 5-10 pick each of the next two years no matter how many games we win.