Remember That FA THREE Years Ago? WOW How Time Flies And Things Change.

[Phantom255x]

I remember three years ago, when we had very little cap space, there were many stars we couldn't get, and we were enamored with signing and going hard after the likes of Kent Bazemore and Jordan Hill for cheap. 

Fast forward to three years later, and we have added Horford, Jaylen (draft), Crowder, Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Smart (draft), some other decent depth, and now instead of saying, "lets go after a (mediocre FA)", it's "we can add a #1 PICK and Hayward/Griffin this summer". 

And remember when, I believe it was three years ago as well, Brad Stevens FIRST PHONE CALL was to Gordon Hayward, back when the Celtics had very little cap space, and no hopes for Hayward, but he still called just to "gauge interest". Three years later, Stevens may call Hayward first again, and this time we have a better chance at landing him. 

Again, time really flies, and just thinking about that "dreaded, hopeless" FA period three years ago compared to the situation now just makes me smile. Danny Ainge is a genius, and now he just has to keep it going and play his cards correctly!

[Chris22]

We need to get Hayward this year and Paul George next year.
Fultz, Brown, Hayward, Horford, and George.

[Csfan1984]

If we strike out I'd like Taj Gibson for a AJ/Zeller type deal. That gives team flexibility to go after 2018 FAs Cousins or PG.

[Phantom255x]

We need to get Hayward this year and Paul George next year.
Fultz, Brown, Hayward, Horford, and George.

No way you get Paul George NEXT year. It's now or never.

[Phantom255x]

If we strike out I'd like Taj Gibson for a AJ/Zeller type deal. That gives team flexibility to go after 2018 FAs Cousins or PG.

I think we lose max-cap space all together after this summer, so we'd still have space but not enough for a max contract. Unless you somehow get rid of Horford and maybe another "moderate-sized contract".

[gouki88]

We need to get Hayward this year and Paul George next year.
Fultz, Brown, Hayward, Horford, and George.

No way you get Paul George NEXT year. It's now or never.

I'm not at all knowledgeable regarding the salary cap, but 3 max contracts would gut our team pretty severely. We'd probably end up similar to Miami, and only having vet min. guys off the bench.

[Phantom255x]

We need to get Hayward this year and Paul George next year.
Fultz, Brown, Hayward, Horford, and George.

No way you get Paul George NEXT year. It's now or never.

I'm not at all knowledgeable regarding the salary cap, but 3 max contracts would gut our team pretty severely. We'd probably end up similar to Miami, and only having vet min. guys off the bench.

We could keep some guys using Bird Rights, but yeah that's true.

But honestly, that projected team IMO could legitimately compete especially if Fultz and Brown both pan out. Unfortunately, I just don't think George is coming here (he's likely going LAL IMHO). George would really have helped the C's though.

[gouki88]

We need to get Hayward this year and Paul George next year.
Fultz, Brown, Hayward, Horford, and George.

No way you get Paul George NEXT year. It's now or never.

I'm not at all knowledgeable regarding the salary cap, but 3 max contracts would gut our team pretty severely. We'd probably end up similar to Miami, and only having vet min. guys off the bench.

We could keep some guys using Bird Rights, but yeah that's true.

But honestly, that projected team IMO could legitimately compete especially if Fultz and Brown both pan out. Unfortunately, I just don't think George is coming here (he's likely going LAL IMHO). George would really have helped the C's though.

Yeah I agree, that starting 5 alone would be a nightmare to deal with. Even surrounding them with has been vets wouldn't be a bad move.

I also agree about the likelihood of George coming here as a Free Agent. He is going to have a whole raft of suitors (namely LAL), and I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't come to Boston. However, he does seem to value winning above all else (or so he says), so if he saw what was developing in Boston he might be willing. Who knows?

[mctyson]

If we strike out I'd like Taj Gibson for a AJ/Zeller type deal. That gives team flexibility to go after 2018 FAs Cousins or PG.

I think I might prefer this regardless.  Signing Hayward locks in a max contract and reduces future flexibility.

[Phantom255x]

If we strike out I'd like Taj Gibson for a AJ/Zeller type deal. That gives team flexibility to go after 2018 FAs Cousins or PG.

I think I might prefer this regardless.  Signing Hayward locks in a max contract and reduces future flexibility.

The problem is, in today's league, lots of these guys are staying put or signing extensions.

Harden and the Greek Freak were supposed to be highly sought out, now they are staying.

PG13 is likely to leave but go LAL, and Cousins may end up staying with Pelicans, and even if he doesn't and it doesn't work out there.. I'd start to think the headcase issues with Cousins may actually be true.

I'd still do the "Taj Gibson deal with Amir-like contract" if we didn't sign a max-FA though, but I think it still would mean less flexibility next off season and I think the number of good players in that class will continue to decrease tbh.

[No Nickname]

If we strike out I'd like Taj Gibson for a AJ/Zeller type deal. That gives team flexibility to go after 2018 FAs Cousins or PG.

I think I might prefer this regardless.  Signing Hayward locks in a max contract and reduces future flexibility.

I'm a fan of this too.  Signing Gibson and also perhaps Bogut to moderate deals ($10-$12MM) and then a scoring three like Robert Covington.  Or maybe even Rudy Gay on a short term deal depending on his health. 

While Hayward would be great, I think he's unlikely to come, and he would seriously stunt the growth of Jaylen Brown who I think is a perfect SF. 

[bopna]

Heck I remember not so long ago that the best Lebron stopper was freakin bricktomyloo Josh Smith..and he is out of work nowadays...time really flies.

[Phantom255x]

Heck I remember not so long ago that the best Lebron stopper was freakin bricktomyloo Josh Smith..and he is out of work nowadays...time really flies.

I also remember the amount of excitement there was around here when we pretty much helped facilitate the Lebron trade, and despite our cap issues, managed to get Marcus "SCORE 40 IN A GAME" Thornton and Tyler "God" Zeller. 

[dreamgreen]

TP I remember those days too.

I think we have a legit shot at landing Hayward, I'd say he comes here or stays in Utah just my opinion.

I'd take Gibson anytime if he's healthy.

I think people really need to hit the breaks on George to the Fakers. I don't think there is any chance this happens. He's not going to spend his prime years on a rebuild team that is just crazy talk. Clippers would be more likely IMO.

[Phantom255x]

TP I remember those days too.

I think we have a legit shot at landing Hayward, I'd say he comes here or stays in Utah just my opinion.

I'd take Gibson anytime if he's healthy.

I think people really need to hit the breaks on George to the Fakers. I don't think there is any chance this happens. He's not going to spend his prime years on a rebuild team that is just crazy talk. Clippers would be more likely IMO.

Well, what can the Clippers offer that will be anything better than what the Lakers can offer?

They really don't have many assets to trade from.

Melo makes sense because he can now be had for dirt cheap and also fills a need.