Please correct me if I’m wrong. We basically have 3 max guys, and the next highest paid player is Tatum at 6.7M. The problem I see is that the Celtics don’t have anyone in between to help match salaries (with Leonard scheduled to make around $20M next season). Without gutting the team, the only possible scenario I can think of is if Marcus Smart agrees to be part of a sign and trade. Could Danny then package Smart, Brown/Tatum, and the Lakers/Kings pick? If I’m giving up Brown/Tatum and the pick, I would hope Danny would be allowed to talk to Kawhi first to see gauge his interest in signing an extension.
In the era of position-less basketball, I think you get the player first, and then put the best players on the floor. I would think Hayward and Leonard could split duties between SG and SF. We may have to give up the dream of trading for Anthony Davis, and pounce on the opportunity to acquire another elite player who wants to be traded. Danny held onto assets to get Kyrie, so I wonder if he could do it again. Don’t get me wrong, I love Brown and Tatum, and I think they will both be really good. However, when you have the opportunity to get an All NBA player, both offensively and defensively, and is a proven playoff performer, then I don’t think you hesitate.
I think the biggest questions would be: 1. Does trading for Kawhi put the Celtics in a position to beat Golden State? 2. Will ownership be willing to pay the luxury tax by having four max players on the roster?