I wonder.. if the C's did make a trade for Jimmy Butler (a BIG deal obviously), and then used some low-mid level assets (nothing too valuable) for Carmelo Anthony... could this team win the championship?
Anthony could focus on scoring along with IT, and Butler adds the defense with Smart/Brown/Crowder while also having the ability to score points if IT/Melo struggle a bit.
I mean, I've been pretty clear that I think that's a path worth exploring, and an Isaiah/Butler/Crowder/Melo/Horford smallball lineup could really get you places with the right bench, especially if you can find a way to make those moves while holding the 2018 Nets picks in reserve.
It's a pretty interesting scenario.
Idk if someone already made a thread discussing it though...
Can't happen. If you keep Crowder you would have to trade Avery Bradley and both Nets picks for Butler, but then what do you trade for Melo? Phil Jackson is no fool and won't trade Melo for Zeller + filler.
Rumor has it the Knicks are willing to trade Melo to LAC without needing back Griffin/Jordan/CP3.
I mean.. what else are they sending to the Knicks? Rivers, aging Crawford + second rounder?
Clippers hesitant to move Reddick apparently as well.
It wouldn't be that difficult either because you still have Brown, all the other 1st rounders, and the two Europeans. I don't even think you would need both Nets picks for Butler.
3 team trade (which you could also break apart if need be)
Boston - Butler, Anthony, O'Quinn, Canaan
Chicago - Bradley, Jerekbo, Baker, BOS 2017, BOS 2018
New York - Brown, Johnson, Zeller, BOS 2019 (lotto protected)
Post trade (1 open roster spot)
PG - Thomas, Canaan, Rozier, Jackson
SG - Butler, Smart, Green
SF - Crowder, Young
PF - Anthony, Olynyk, Mickey
C - Horford, O'Quinn
Obviously the main rotation would be the starts and Smart, Olynyk, and O'Quinn with Canaan, Green, Young, and Rozier active and Jackson and Mickey in the DLeague.
I think that team would pose all of the contenders some real issues and Boston would still have the BKN 18, MEM, and LAC future 1sts (as well as all Boston ones after 2020) along with the draft and stash players. And there is a chance you get to keep Brown as well since NY doesn't have much leverage.