What do I mean exactly? Marcus Morris has an EXTRA year on his deal and definitely could be a valuable trade chip in a deal for some possible, available star (especially at a bargain ~5.5M/Year). Crowder is still a valuable trade chip.
Remember after LAST YEAR'S playoffs vs. Atlanta, Ainge said "AB is a big part of our future, blah blah blah"? Then he proceeds to trade him just a few days ago to sign Hayward and b/c he knows AB will get paid A TON next year.
Things change quickly in the NBA landscape, and although Ainge has said "Crowder is a big part of the future", I still think he's a valuable trade chip, especially with the 2 and 3 positions now having a bit of a logjam. Baynes could be in a deal too with the modest salary especially if the deal is for front court help (a star). Then we also added another likely lottery pick next season, so maybe Ainge can keep 1, trade the other + 2019 pick(s) in a bigger package for a star, and draft a potential, franchise-changing big man next year as well.
NOW R-E-L-A-X
I'm not going to bore you all or make people roll their eyes discussing Anthony Davis now, because even I know that's not happening EVEN IF the Pelicans current "Twin Tower" experiment fails miserably next season. They can just try again with AD, since he has 4 WHOLE years left on his deal (they have zero reason to trade him or even take offers unless AD himself says he officially wants out - HIGHLY DOUBT IT).
But a name I'm looking at closely now, especially next season? KRISTAPS PORZINGIS. Carmelo Anthony is LIKELY gone from New York, and with another bad start next season, Porzingis could feel even more frustrated with NYK. He would have 1.5 years left on his deal, and there's a chance he's available again if NYK feels he isn't staying long term and they want value back. Boston has the most to offer than other teams and it's possible they can do it without including BOTH 2018 Picks. The Knicks FO is a mess, and Porzingis knows it. Even with Phil Jackson gone, I think it's a possibility, especially if the Knicks start off horrible again, which is likely without Carmelo and his scoring.
But even if not KP, there could be other disgruntled stars to be had that emerge as the season progresses. Again, this team is not 100%, but they are pretty close, and I'd say they are 1 piece away from dethroning Cleveland (and having a puncher's chance vs. Golden State who could run into SERIOUS cap issues in 3 years). And if any of our Top-3 Picks (Brown and/or Tatum) become star-caliber players, the better.
But hey, if no trade emerges, that's fine, I feel we got better, and are poised to have another great season with hopefully another ECF appearance. A front court with Horford, Zizic, Theis, Baynes and Morris could do for now as well, especially with the added toughness and (hopefully) rebounding.
And I love Crowder btw, and am not a hater like most here, (he's been just as big a part of the team's growth the past 2 seasons) but in a deal for a star, you have to do it, and his contract is definitely surplus value for us (either when playing for the C's or in trades).
Topic: Another Way To Look At It: More "Trade Ammo" For Danny! (Read 2341 times)