ESPN, National Sites "Rooting" For C's To Get Hayward & George

[Phantom255x]

I'm not going to post links to every video, but just go to Youtube, type in, "Celtics Hayward and George", and you'll see a ton of stuff from The Herd (Cowherd), ESPN, The Jump, CBS Sports, First Take, etc. saying that the Celtics NEED to trade for George once they sign Hayward.

This, according to most of them, makes the C's favorites in the East, or at least gives them a great chance to dethrone Cleveland (even if there's no guarantees, they should take CLE to 6-7 games, and have a chance against Golden State).

Some of them are even raging at Ainge for not using "some" of his assets to facilitate his deals, and some had meltdowns LOL (like Nick Wright - but who honestly cares about him to be honest?)

Even Paul Pierce has said the C's should think about adding Hayward and George together and looking to start legitimately contending with a "superteam" in a sense. I wonder if PP34 is feeding some advice to Ainge though, because PP34 never seemed high on Fultz either and wanted the C's to trade the pick (which they did, for #3 and a future lottery pick, which also resulted in some extra cap space to possibly faclilitate these moves better).

But of course, they acknowledge that if the C's don't sign Hayward or Griffin (or trade for George, in that instance), then it's pretty much the same team going into next season.

So we will either see "Fireworks", "In Between" (sort of "Fireworks", but just one signing, then keep rolling), or "Nothing".

What do you think happens? Do you really want to see George+Hayward happen too?

MY GUESS: We sign one of Hayward/Griffin, and keep rolling. No George coming.

[jpotter33]

Obviously as a Boston fan I want it to happen. But as a fan of the NBA in general, I certainly want it to happen because it adds another actual contender to the mix.

This last year was pretty boring, because everyone knew it was going to be GS versus Cleveland in the Finals, especially after Kawhi went down. But if we can land both Hayward and George, that gives you 5 legit teams that have a good shot at winning it all in Boston, Cleveland, GS, San Antonio, and Houston. That makes things much more interesting for the league as a whole to have multiple teams in that "Superteam" category that can legitimately win it all.

And by the way, at this point I think there's a really good shot of it happening. If we get Hayward, which I also think is more likely than not at this point, or possibly even Griffin, I think there's already a deal in place for George to come here. Ainge probably has a standing offer on the table to Indy that they'll execute and agree upon publicly once Hayward commits to Boston. That's certainly what Indy is waiting on, because why else would they be waiting this long with Houston, Cleveland, San Antonio, and LA already making offers that have been rebuffed by them?

[LilRip]

I believe!!!

At this stage in the offseason, I have to believe. If not, then I have nothing to look forward to or hope for in the summer.

[Phantom255x]

Obviously as a Boston fan I want it to happen. But as a fan of the NBA in general, I certainly want it to happen because it adds another actual contender to the mix.

This last year was pretty boring, because everyone knew it was going to be GS versus Cleveland in the Finals, especially after Kawhi went down. But if we can land both Hayward and George, that gives you 5 legit teams that have a good shot at winning it all in Boston, Cleveland, GS, San Antonio, and Houston. That makes things much more interesting for the league as a whole to have multiple teams in that "Superteam" category that can legitimately win it all.

And by the way, at this point I think there's a really good shot of it happening. If we get Hayward, which I also think is more likely than not at this point, or possibly even Griffin, I think there's already a deal in place for George to come here. Ainge probably has a standing offer on the table to Indy that they'll execute and agree upon publicly once Hayward commits to Boston. That's certainly what Indy is waiting on, because why else would they be waiting this long with Houston, Cleveland, San Antonio, and LA already making offers that have been rebuffed by them?

Yeah, a lot depends on Hayward. I really wish Miami didn't enter the negotiations 

And I put in the Paul George thread (to the right) about the C's "counteroffer" to the Pacers. I think both sides have an understanding of what they want, and a deal that could work for both sides as well, but first the C's have to sign Hayward, and then see what salaries and picks would need to be included to all work.

[jpotter33]

Obviously as a Boston fan I want it to happen. But as a fan of the NBA in general, I certainly want it to happen because it adds another actual contender to the mix.

This last year was pretty boring, because everyone knew it was going to be GS versus Cleveland in the Finals, especially after Kawhi went down. But if we can land both Hayward and George, that gives you 5 legit teams that have a good shot at winning it all in Boston, Cleveland, GS, San Antonio, and Houston. That makes things much more interesting for the league as a whole to have multiple teams in that "Superteam" category that can legitimately win it all.

And by the way, at this point I think there's a really good shot of it happening. If we get Hayward, which I also think is more likely than not at this point, or possibly even Griffin, I think there's already a deal in place for George to come here. Ainge probably has a standing offer on the table to Indy that they'll execute and agree upon publicly once Hayward commits to Boston. That's certainly what Indy is waiting on, because why else would they be waiting this long with Houston, Cleveland, San Antonio, and LA already making offers that have been rebuffed by them?

Yeah, a lot depends on Hayward. I really wish Miami didn't enter the negotiations 

And I put in the Paul George thread (to the right) about the C's "counteroffer" to the Pacers. I think both sides have an understanding of what they want, and a deal that could work for both sides as well, but first the C's have to sign Hayward, and then see what salaries and picks would need to be included to all work.

I mean, the salaries of the deal are pretty much set in stone with having to be Crowder and Bradley for it to even work while we keep our other core and younger pieces, so I think the picks are the only things being debated now. I'm pretty sure the Lakers pick will have to be included, and the Memphis pick could be the sticking point/debated part right now.

[SparzWizard]

Obviously as a Boston fan I want it to happen. But as a fan of the NBA in general, I certainly want it to happen because it adds another actual contender to the mix.

This last year was pretty boring, because everyone knew it was going to be GS versus Cleveland in the Finals, especially after Kawhi went down. But if we can land both Hayward and George, that gives you 5 legit teams that have a good shot at winning it all in Boston, Cleveland, GS, San Antonio, and Houston. That makes things much more interesting for the league as a whole to have multiple teams in that "Superteam" category that can legitimately win it all.

And by the way, at this point I think there's a really good shot of it happening. If we get Hayward, which I also think is more likely than not at this point, or possibly even Griffin, I think there's already a deal in place for George to come here. Ainge probably has a standing offer on the table to Indy that they'll execute and agree upon publicly once Hayward commits to Boston. That's certainly what Indy is waiting on, because why else would they be waiting this long with Houston, Cleveland, San Antonio, and LA already making offers that have been rebuffed by them?

Yeah, a lot depends on Hayward. I really wish Miami didn't enter the negotiations 

And I put in the Paul George thread (to the right) about the C's "counteroffer" to the Pacers. I think both sides have an understanding of what they want, and a deal that could work for both sides as well, but first the C's have to sign Hayward, and then see what salaries and picks would need to be included to all work.

Pat Riley will use his meeting to talk crap about Boston and why Hayward should NOT sign with them but either stay loyal in Utah or enjoy the party life and tax-free state.

[Phantom255x]

Obviously as a Boston fan I want it to happen. But as a fan of the NBA in general, I certainly want it to happen because it adds another actual contender to the mix.

This last year was pretty boring, because everyone knew it was going to be GS versus Cleveland in the Finals, especially after Kawhi went down. But if we can land both Hayward and George, that gives you 5 legit teams that have a good shot at winning it all in Boston, Cleveland, GS, San Antonio, and Houston. That makes things much more interesting for the league as a whole to have multiple teams in that "Superteam" category that can legitimately win it all.

And by the way, at this point I think there's a really good shot of it happening. If we get Hayward, which I also think is more likely than not at this point, or possibly even Griffin, I think there's already a deal in place for George to come here. Ainge probably has a standing offer on the table to Indy that they'll execute and agree upon publicly once Hayward commits to Boston. That's certainly what Indy is waiting on, because why else would they be waiting this long with Houston, Cleveland, San Antonio, and LA already making offers that have been rebuffed by them?

Yeah, a lot depends on Hayward. I really wish Miami didn't enter the negotiations 

And I put in the Paul George thread (to the right) about the C's "counteroffer" to the Pacers. I think both sides have an understanding of what they want, and a deal that could work for both sides as well, but first the C's have to sign Hayward, and then see what salaries and picks would need to be included to all work.

Pat Riley will use his meeting to talk crap about Boston and why Hayward should NOT sign with them but either stay loyal in Utah or enjoy the party life and tax-free state.

Then Ainge should tell Hayward about how Riley isn't loyal, and use the Wade saga from last summer as an example 

[Phantom255x]

DANG out of 14 votes, 9 have us getting Hayward AND George... 

We sure we're being honest   

[liam]

DANG out of 14 votes, 9 have us getting Hayward AND George... 

We sure we're being honest   

The Celtics moves so far make it seem to me that Hayward is a done deal. Maybe some kind of knowledge through back channels of some sort. Everything seems set up for Hayward to come. I could be wrong but signs are pointing to this as a done deal.

[vjcsmoke]

Hayward is the most likely first big move.

Now George, that depends if the Pacers will come down on their demands or not.

The Rockets might want to get into the bidding, but what can they offer that would top the Celtics assets?

I hope we don't have to give up much more than Bradley or Crowder, matching salary, and the Lakers 2018 pick.

Much as I like the idea of Paul George in Celtics green, I'm still worried he bolts after the season if we can't topple the Cavs.  And that's going to be a tall order.

[obnoxiousmime]

Player movement is always exciting and people are rooting for stories. Teams shouldn't let the pressure of winning the news cycle in July get to them though, because that's when you make mistakes.

I've seen talking heads thrown in the Lakers pick in a deal for George casually even though there's no evidence the Pacers have anything close to that being offered by any other team right now, especially with no extension as prerequisite. I know it's exciting to think of Hayward and George together, but I'm sorry, the BKN and LAL pick are just too valuable to throw into any rental.

There's no way the Lakers, short of suddenly changing their policy on including Ingram or Ball, have much to offer for George. Nor does Houston have much besides Capela, and a big Eric Gordon/Ryan Anderson contract on the table. The Cavs have.... Kevin Love.

All this being said, I think the Celtics would be willing to include the LAL pick eventually if they get Hayward AND George agrees to some kind of extension. There's been too much smoke on this the last couple weeks for there not to be fire. Letting George negotiate with a team is in the Pacers' best interest, because they can get a better return.

[SparzWizard]

I feel like getting Gordon Hayward will be tougher than getting Paul George 

[tarheelsxxiii]

I feel like getting Gordon Hayward will be tougher than getting Paul George 

Nah.  If I had to gamble, Hayward is coming, George is not, and the frontcourt will still suck. 

[SparzWizard]

I feel like getting Gordon Hayward will be tougher than getting Paul George 

Nah.  If I had to gamble, Hayward is coming, George is not, and the frontcourt will still suck.

I will try not to get my hopes up this time. Last year I was sold on KD35 coming LOL foolish me.
Hopefully Gordon Hayward will be like our Al Horford landing from last summer.
And yeah, agree on the frontcourt 

[iadera]

I feel like getting Gordon Hayward will be tougher than getting Paul George 

Nah.  If I had to gamble, Hayward is coming, George is not, and the frontcourt will still suck.

I will try not to get my hopes up this time. Last year I was sold on KD35 coming LOL foolish me.
Hopefully Gordon Hayward will be like our Al Horford landing from last summer.
And yeah, agree on the frontcourt 

I wouldn't compare this Hayward-hunt with KD. Let's be realistic. We were not the frontrunners with KD. It was Warriors. I was hoping a bit, but reality was actualy different.
Now, if you compare Celtics and Heat, we can offer the same amount of money, but our team and whole organization is in front of Miami's at the moment, just behind the Cleveland.