Even Danny Knows There Is No Trade This Season To Make BOS Contenders...

[Phantom255x]

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2017/02/09/celtics-danny-ainge-nba-trades-toucher-and-rich/

Ainge isn’t sure if there’s a deal out there that can put the Celtics over the top and turn them into a championship contender this season, but said he does believe in miracles.

“I have a great deal of respect for the teams in this league. Golden State is one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. I think that’s going to be very challenging, but very possible,” he said. “I believe in miracles.”

And this is why I support the idea of only doing a smaller deal like one for Ibaka or someone similar (an expiring rebounding big or cheap rebounding big).

We'll hear the rumors, but unless somehow there's two trades lined up for stars (ex. Butler + Cousins - pipe dream I know), there's no trade now that puts us in Golden State's level. We *could* beat Cleveland if we add a star and make a minor trade for a BIG (ex. Butler + Ibaka/Noel), but still not enough to beat Golden State.

Even if they do make a trade for a star, it will cost A TON in assets. Maybe their prices go down in the Summer/DraftDay with the BKN Pick hopefully landing #1 or #2, but at the deadline, I doubt they lower their already-high prices.

I trust Ainge completely to make the right move, but I still hope he does a small move. I'd rather make a somewhat cheap trade for Ibaka than do absolutely nothing honestly (but maybe I'm just sounding greedy here lol).

Celtics are still 2-3 years away IMO, but as Lebron gets older (will be around 35-36 y/o 3 years from now), and Warriors cool off a bit (can they even afford to keep a whole team + bench after maxing Curry + Durant, and with Klay needing a contract soon?), hopefully our picks develop well, we extend IT+Smart w/Bird Rights, and become legit contenders hopefully for years to come.

[RockinRyA]

Yep. Im fine with smaller deals that helps us fill holes while not compromising our ability to make Big Moves.

[Phantom255x]

Yep. Im fine with smaller deals that helps us fill holes while not compromising our ability to make Big Moves.

Yep, and we could make those big moves possibly in the summer or next year.

For now, staying patient is the best route. But make small moves to fill holes (rebounding).

[green_bballers13]

I generally don't like nitpicking small details, but Lebron just turned 32 less than 2 months ago. He won't be 37 for 5 years. I think this matters b/c I see Lebron as a player that can win championships at an older age. He has the innate ability to make his teammates better, which will help his eventual athletic decline.

I agree with everything else, except I think our time frame might actually be 5-7 years, which I'm ok with. If Danny builds a young, talented core, we should be able to pull off a couple rings in the 2020's- something he wasn't able to do with the Big 3.

[Phantom255x]

I generally don't like nitpicking small details, but Lebron just turned 32 less than 2 months ago. He won't be 37 for 5 years. I think this matters b/c I see Lebron as a player that can win championships at an older age. He has the innate ability to make his teammates better, which will help his eventual athletic decline.

I agree with everything else, except I think our time frame might actually be 5-7 years, which I'm ok with. If Danny builds a young, talented core, we should be able to pull off a couple rings in the 2020's- something he wasn't able to do with the Big 3.

Yeah that was my bad.

I edited it to 35 y/o.

I think LBJ will still be a star, but with all the talented youth pouring into the league, I think it will get a bit difficult for him 3 years from now.

Also, he's been playing major minutes this season. It might come back to bite him years down the line.

And 5-7 years away? I don't think it will take that long. Maybe more like 3-4?

[Donoghus]

The "instant gratification" people aren't going to like this one bit.

[Phantom255x]

The "instant gratification" people aren't going to like this one bit.

You mean the one who hates "perpetual rebuilds"? 

[CoachBo]

The fear of actually improving this team remains palpable on this board.

[Darío SpanishFan]

The fear of actually improving this team remains palpable on this board.

No. It is the fear of improving for two months and giving up assets for years without winning a championship.

[Smartacus]

Consider me an instant gratification type, but I'd be fine pulling a Denver and overpaying to get a coveted RFA in here.

A trade that might not rocket us into contention this year but could set things up down the road is Gordon Hayward. Its seems fairly  well known that it's between us and the Utah for Hayward. In a  vacuum Utah should probably just match any offer he receives but if you throw in some assets to sweeten the pot suddenly the option to move on from him is a lot more palatable. (I still subscribe to the belief that Utah loves Kelly. So maybe he could be involved)

Again not that this will bring us any championships this year, but Hayward would immediately become a top 3-5 wing in the East and still leaves us asset rich and full steam ahead.

Edit: Hayward is a player option not RFA. Logic remains the same.

[boscel33]

The fear of actually improving this team remains palpable on this board.

No. It is the fear of improving for two months and giving up assets for years without winning a championship.

Agree.  This team could become the next GSW is they stay put and draft.  Curry, Barnes, Green, Thompson were all draft picks.  That's their core.  So now, in a few years, our's could be; Fultz (if lucky), Brown, Zicic, Smart.  I just rattled off a few and I know I'm missing some, like IT.  We are in great position and I pray that DA doesn't go for it now, and try and get a Butler.  Let the process play out.  We are second in the East and have more assets than most.

[Monkhouse]

Anyone think in the summer, Klay Thompson will be available?

I think Bradley/Crowder and some additional picks/sweeteners would work.

[elcotte]

The fear of actually improving this team remains palpable on this board.

No. It is the fear of improving for two months and giving up assets for years without winning a championship.

Absolutely correct. Bo don't know.

[GRADYCOLNON]

Ainge knows he isn't making a big trade.  A smaller deal, upgrading the bench, could help for this playoff run. 

As I see it, the Celtics are likely to be the 3rd or 2nd seed.  This means they wouldn't have to face the Cavs until the Conference finals.  Although they would still have to face possiblythe Wizards, Raptors or Hawks, avoiding the Cavs until later rounds may make a run into the finals more plausible than in the past couple seasons. 

If the team can add defense on the front court, it might help protect Isaiah and a deeper playoff push.  A player like Bogut, even though rumored, still is a good option.  Bogut would provide the defense to the second unit missing when the team has to constantly rotate between Olynyk, Johnson and Horford.  In addition, Bogut would be able to fill directly in for Zeller, who can't play any defense.  It may cost a couple second round picks or we could take our chances in a buyout situation to acquire Bogut, but those assets are not going to jeopardize the team's future upward mobility.

[Ilikesports17]

Im not sure I agree with the idea that a trade must put us on a level with GSW or makes us heavy favorites vs. Lebron to be worth it.

Waiting untill a move makes you the clear cut favorite in the NBA is a solid way to ensure that you will almost never make a move.

Now obviously when you have a roster with 1 rotation player 30 and over and look primed to cash in on 2 more top 5 picks in consecutive years with 20 year old Jaylen Brown in tow makes not making a move more palatable, but if Danny moves one of those picks and it "only" puts us on a level playing field with Cleveland I dont think Id have a problem with it.