Jackie Mac on Zach Lowe Podcast

[RJ87]

Some really interesting Celtics tidbits from both sides:

- Kyrie Irving being linked with the Anthony Davis trade rumors really bothered him. 
- Kyrie waffling on Boston may be more related to Boston sports media/fans on social media claiming he makes the team worse and he ended up backing off of social media after a sit down with Danny and Brad.
- Jayson Tatum's plateauing has been a concern. Pointed at Jaylen being able to figure out his role and get on track, while Jayson hasn't.
- Al Horford isn't as much of a lock to resign if Kyrie goes as people around here think.
- Terry Rozier has been really unhappy with his role and they don't expect him back.
- Both Zach and Jackie weren't sure they'd give up Jaylen over Jayson in an AD trade.
- Jackie doesn't think Kyrie goes to NYC.
- They both expect Danny & co. to try to get an early FA commitment from Kyrie so they have more clarity on an AD trade. Not sure AD's going to be available after the draft.

[esel1000]

Boston sports media is awful... NY is even worse.

Will be interesting to see what Kyrie decides.

[PhoSita]

I think Danny & Co are right --- if they dont' trade for AD at the draft they're not going to get the chance to do so later.

The plan has to be to trade for AD at the draft and then re-sign Kyrie.

If we don't hear much about the Celts trying to trade for AD at the draft, that's our signal that Kyrie has not given them the assurances they need.

[RJ87]

I think Danny & Co are right --- if they dont' trade for AD at the draft they're not going to get the chance to do so later.

The plan has to be to trade for AD at the draft and then re-sign Kyrie.

If we don't hear much about the Celts trying to trade for AD at the draft, that's our signal that Kyrie has not given them the assurances they need.

This is purely my own opinion, but I think if I was Kyrie I'd tell Danny I'd stick around if we bring in AD. But if free agency opens and AD is traded elsewhere, I'd explore my options.

[PhoSita]

- Al Horford isn't as much of a lock to resign if Kyrie goes as people around here think.

Horford leaving is a major concern of mine.


Recentering the team around the young guys is a lot scarier if Horford isn't around to provide stability.

[BringToughnessBack]

Boston sports media is awful... NY is even worse.

Will be interesting to see what Kyrie decides.

Not just media, fans mentioned as well. Every miss he makes and people want him traded and gone. Not an easy group of fans to play for in any times of adversity. That is for sure.

At the end of the day, he will choose where he is happiest and that is starting to sound like it won’t be in Boston. Media and fans to blame if he leaves for not giving him the welcome he desired. I would choose the place that makes me happiest as well in choosing a job if I had to relocate or decide on staying.

[BringToughnessBack]

Boston sports media is awful... NY is even worse.

Will be interesting to see what Kyrie decides.

Both places are horrible for sure with media. At least in LA if you are losing, fans simply stop attending games! 😁Maybe clippers would be ideal for him. Boy would that get under my skin if Doc ends up with Kyrie.

[RJ87]

- Al Horford isn't as much of a lock to resign if Kyrie goes as people around here think.

Horford leaving is a major concern of mine.


Recentering the team around the young guys is a lot scarier if Horford isn't around to provide stability.

I mentioned in a thread a few weeks ago that Al may consider other options at his age and was shut down. But the dude's a competitor, he wants a ring. He may take a step back and realize it may not happen here.

[mctyson]

Boston sports media is awful... NY is even worse.

Will be interesting to see what Kyrie decides.

Not just media, fans mentioned as well. Every miss he makes and people want him traded and gone. Not an easy group of fans to play for in any times of adversity. That is for sure.

At the end of the day, he will choose where he is happiest and that is starting to sound like it won’t be in Boston. Media and fans to blame if he leaves for not giving him the welcome he desired. I would choose the place that makes me happiest as well in choosing a job if I had to relocate or decide on staying.

Kyrie brought all of that on himself.  He is a d*@k to the media, he talks down to his teammates, and when the light got brightest he has wilted (so far).

Of course, he can still change all that, but a lot of this is his fault.

[RJ87]

Boston sports media is awful... NY is even worse.

Will be interesting to see what Kyrie decides.

Not just media, fans mentioned as well. Every miss he makes and people want him traded and gone. Not an easy group of fans to play for in any times of adversity. That is for sure.

Jackie mentioned that specifically. He said "if you'd have back..." when he said he intended to resign. Cut to a few months later when the team is struggling a bit and everyone is painting him as the root of all evil. He's only human, of course it's gonna bother him a bit.

[footey]

I think Danny & Co are right --- if they dont' trade for AD at the draft they're not going to get the chance to do so later.

The plan has to be to trade for AD at the draft and then re-sign Kyrie.

If we don't hear much about the Celts trying to trade for AD at the draft, that's our signal that Kyrie has not given them the assurances they need.

This is purely my own opinion, but I think if I was Kyrie I'd tell Danny I'd stick around if we bring in AD. But if free agency opens and AD is traded elsewhere, I'd explore my options.

100%

[RJ87]

If we don't hear much about the Celts trying to trade for AD at the draft, that's our signal that Kyrie has not given them the assurances they need.

Kyrie has to officially opt out of his deal for us to trade for AD. Can someone with more CBA knowledge clarify: can Kyrie opt out at any point? I know he has to do so by June 30th, but is there an official "open" date for opt outs?

[Chris22]

Please let Kyrie walk.

He was injured for the playoffs last year and laid an egg this year. He is not worth max money.

[PhoSita]

If we don't hear much about the Celts trying to trade for AD at the draft, that's our signal that Kyrie has not given them the assurances they need.

Kyrie has to officially opt out of his deal for us to trade for AD. Can someone with more CBA knowledge clarify: can Kyrie opt out at any point? I know he has to do so by June 30th, but is there an official "open" date for opt outs?

I think a draft day trade wouldn't be officially finalized until the start of the new league year anyway.  The Celts would make picks on behalf of the Pelicans and then trade the players they drafted after the fact (for whichever picks they're sending out, which I assume would be all of them).

[PhoSita]

- Al Horford isn't as much of a lock to resign if Kyrie goes as people around here think.

Horford leaving is a major concern of mine.


Recentering the team around the young guys is a lot scarier if Horford isn't around to provide stability.

I mentioned in a thread a few weeks ago that Al may consider other options at his age and was shut down. But the dude's a competitor, he wants a ring. He may take a step back and realize it may not happen here.

Where would he go though?  I suppose a lot of teams will have cap space.

Which teams will have a starting spot for Horford, the cap space (at least $20 million a year, probably more), and a realistic chance at a title?


I suppose the Clips could sign KD or Kawhi and then add Horford.


Shai - Shamet - Kawhi - Harrell - Horford

That would be an awesome group, with Lou off the bench.