The Durant Sweepstakes

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Papelbon's Poutine

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Ah, was t factoring in the cap holds on the first round picks. That makes more sense.also forgot that cap holds on the FAs have a bigger number than their salary. Thanks.
 

sox311

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That's what she said.
I read that Danny has to decide on JJ and AJ before the 3rd for some reason. Does any of this ring a bell? Or does Danny have until the 3rd to announce his action on them?
 

MainerInExile

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One would think Danny already knows if there will be trades out there for them. No reason not to start talking about them early.
 

JakeRae

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One would think Danny already knows if there will be trades out there for them. No reason not to start talking about them early.
It's quite possible there will not be trades out there for them yet. Most teams are going to be looking to catch bigger fish this early and aren't going to want to lock up their cap space in good value but mediocre role players. Anyway, the best case for their value is something like a second round pick or someone absorbing James Young. That loss of value is trivial if sacrificing it lands Durant.
 

ElcaballitoMVP

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It's quite possible there will not be trades out there for them yet. Most teams are going to be looking to catch bigger fish this early and aren't going to want to lock up their cap space in good value but mediocre role players. Anyway, the best case for their value is something like a second round pick or someone absorbing James Young. That loss of value is trivial if sacrificing it lands Durant.
They will have to wait, but I think they could net something better than a 2nd or James Young type. If someone like the Grizz goes into full rebuild, they could look to move a Zach Randolph or Danny attaches a low value pick with someone like JJ for Tyreke Evans from NOP.
 

RedOctober3829

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deep inside Guido territory
Durant will listen to the Celtics’ pitch when free agency opens on July 1. Boston has plenty to offer: Strong organizational stability, a cohesive locker room, the assets to add multiple players.

But the Celts can pitch much than that, if they choose, by offering Durant -- who wears No. 35 in Oklahoma City -- the opportunity to honor the life of Reggie Lewis by wearing his retired No. 35.

I asked Lewis’ mother, Inez Ritch, how she’d feel if the Celtics asked for her blessing to offer No. 35 to Durant as a tribute to her son.

“I don’t think it would take anything from Reggie because his number is still hanging up in the Garden,” Ritch told me over the phone. “If I see Durant running up and down the court with the No. 35, I don’t know how my emotions would be until it happens.

"I don’t think I would be upset about it. I think it would be a good thing because he is a very nice, humble young man. I don’t know a lot about him, but I know of some of the things he has achieved while wearing the No. 35.”

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/reggie-lewis-mother-approves-boston-celtics-offering-her-sons-retired-number-to-kevin-durant
 

Clears Cleaver

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Durant doing his meetings in the Hamptons Fourth of July weekend. So basically he's just testing to see which teams have helicopters for its personnel.
 

DJnVa

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So Broussard (I know, I know) said this morning that he doesn't think it'll be Boston cuz Durant got frustrated playing with Westbrook and you know, the Celtics have Thomas, who's kinda like Westbrook but not as good.

I guess that means he shoots a lot? Thomas did take fewer shots than Westbrook on a team where he was usually the only option as opposed to having Durant running alongside him.
 

RedOctober3829

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So Broussard (I know, I know) said this morning that he doesn't think it'll be Boston cuz Durant got frustrated playing with Westbrook and you know, the Celtics have Thomas, who's kinda like Westbrook but not as good.

I guess that means he shoots a lot? Thomas did take fewer shots than Westbrook on a team where he was usually the only option as opposed to having Durant running alongside him.
I heard the same thing. Thomas is not like Westbrook. Westbrook is a top 5 player in the league who needs the ball in his hands a lot to be successful. Thomas is a nice player who can play off the ball and would fit in fine as a 3rd option or even a 6th man on a good team. On a mediocre team such as the '15-'16 Celtics with not a lot of scoring he had to dominate the ball at times but he's not that kind of player. Broussard is going to be Broussard.

That being said, he probably won't choose Boston but it's not because IT is Westbrook-lite.
 

Montana Fan

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Wouldn't you think that KD would need to see a long term commitment to RW before he'd resign there? If he signs with OKC and RW bolts to LAL after next season, KD would have to carry the team. I don't think he's gonna re-sign with OKC without a commitment to and from RW.
 

Auger34

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It's Broussard so take it with a grain of salt.

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine 26s27 seconds ago
Our @chris_broussard just reported Kevin Durant will meet with his current Thunder employers Thursday ... on the day before free agency.

Honest question, short of confirming the already reported scoop of LBJ going back to Cleveland, has Broussard ever got anything right? Last year, he infamously reported that Cuban was driving aimlessly around LA leaving desperate voice messages to DeAndre Jordan asking where he was (proven false and he had to apologize). I can't think of a single news bite he has broke and most of the time he is hilariously wrong and/or late with scoops. Is there any reason to even pay attention to what he says?
 

Ed Hillel

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I think Broussard reported Miami the day of the decision debacle, but he may have reported like 5 teams during the course of the day.
 

BigSoxFan

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People are obviously trying to read the tea leaves but none of us know what's going on in his head. He may be leaning OKC but it sounds like he's going to give every team a fair shake.
 

amfox1

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We knew he was going to meet with them and 4/5 other teams, does the order matter?
It matters only in terms of timing. In order to be most efficient, one would expect KD to interview with OKC before 7/1, since he can. In that way, he can line up the other interviews for 7/1 and 7/2 and make a decision ASAP thereafter. I don't think it says anything about where he is leaning, rather it is simply reflects the most optimal logistics. The key will be whether he also speaks to OKC at the end of the interview process.
 

oumbi

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From the CelticsBlog world, here are the odds from Vegas for different NBA teams signing various free agents.

According to the bookies, the Celtics have a great shot at Howard, but not so much for Durant. Enjoy and place those bets early!

Howard

Celtics Even
Hawks + 175
Rockets + 1200
The Field + 175


Durant
Thunder - 500
Warriors + 400
Heat + 1200
Knicks + 1400
Celtics + 1600
Spurs + 1600
Clippers + 5000
Lakers + 6600
Wizards + 10000
 

Cellar-Door

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From the CelticsBlog world, here are the odds from Vegas for different NBA teams signing various free agents.

According to the bookies, the Celtics have a great shot at Howard, but not so much for Durant. Enjoy and place those bets early!

Howard

Celtics Even
Hawks + 175
Rockets + 1200
The Field + 175


Durant
Thunder - 500
Warriors + 400
Heat + 1200
Knicks + 1400
Celtics + 1600
Spurs + 1600
Clippers + 5000
Lakers + 6600
Wizards + 10000
Vegas apparently assume that Knicks fans just love giving away money, with Lakers fans less delusional, but still pretty dumb.
 

zenter

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Surprised the Knicks are above the Cs and the Clips below for Durant. Regardless of Melo, Knicks are still owned by Dolan and run by Phil Jackson, so that's a negative for a "supportive FO and winning/high-effort culture".
 

BaseballJones

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The Celtics don't have much of a chance to land Durant, but if I'm Danny, here's my pitch:

1. Obviously, we give you max dollars (everyone will do that though).

2. We have enough cash to pay for another legit max player. Help us pick that guy out, Kevin!

3. We have one of the best coaches in the NBA.

4. We have a team full of hard-working, talented young players. They just need a star. That's you.

5. We play in the Eastern Conference. Everyone has to go through LeBron, but in the East, that's all you really will have to get through. You won't have to go through three grueling rounds in the West anymore.

6. If you go to GS and you win, you're just a cog in an already great machine. Same with San Antonio. If you win in OKC, I get it, but here, you will be THE MAN. You won't just be helping an already great team to a title, and thus people will wonder how much of it was due to you. You will be the undisputed alpha dog on this team. Whether you want to admit it or not, this is important to you for your legacy.

7. Look at those rafters. Russell. Cousy. Havlicek. Bird. McHale. Some of the all-time greats up there. You want to be in the pantheon of all-time greats wearing Celtic green, Kevin. It means so much more than being an all-time great for the Thunder. Really. It does. Just like being an all-time great for the Yankees or Red Sox means more than being an all-time great for the Texas Rangers.

Put it all together, Kevin, and this is the place for you. Great organization. Great fans. Historic, iconic franchise. Better road to a championship. You will be the undisputed leader of the team. You help pick your teammate. You will not regret this decision to come to Boston, Kevin.


Now I know that's still a longshot, but I don't know if they have much else to offer. And really, I think it's reasonably compelling, but then again, I'm a Celtics fan and want him to come here.
 

Montana Fan

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Surprised the Knicks are above the Cs and the Clips below for Durant. Regardless of Melo, Knicks are still owned by Dolan and run by Phil Jackson, so that's a negative for a "supportive FO and winning/high-effort culture".
That and the Knicks aren't currently on Durant's meeting schedule.
 

Cellar-Door

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I feel like you guys don't understand how betting odds work.
The Knicks and Heat are high because that's the odds the casino can set it at and still get the desired amount of action. It isn't in any way a projection of what will actually happen.
 

BigSoxFan

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The Celtics don't have much of a chance to land Durant, but if I'm Danny, here's my pitch:

1. Obviously, we give you max dollars (everyone will do that though).

2. We have enough cash to pay for another legit max player. Help us pick that guy out, Kevin!

3. We have one of the best coaches in the NBA.

4. We have a team full of hard-working, talented young players. They just need a star. That's you.

5. We play in the Eastern Conference. Everyone has to go through LeBron, but in the East, that's all you really will have to get through. You won't have to go through three grueling rounds in the West anymore.

6. If you go to GS and you win, you're just a cog in an already great machine. Same with San Antonio. If you win in OKC, I get it, but here, you will be THE MAN. You won't just be helping an already great team to a title, and thus people will wonder how much of it was due to you. You will be the undisputed alpha dog on this team. Whether you want to admit it or not, this is important to you for your legacy.

7. Look at those rafters. Russell. Cousy. Havlicek. Bird. McHale. Some of the all-time greats up there. You want to be in the pantheon of all-time greats wearing Celtic green, Kevin. It means so much more than being an all-time great for the Thunder. Really. It does. Just like being an all-time great for the Yankees or Red Sox means more than being an all-time great for the Texas Rangers.

Put it all together, Kevin, and this is the place for you. Great organization. Great fans. Historic, iconic franchise. Better road to a championship. You will be the undisputed leader of the team. You help pick your teammate. You will not regret this decision to come to Boston, Kevin.


Now I know that's still a longshot, but I don't know if they have much else to offer. And really, I think it's reasonably compelling, but then again, I'm a Celtics fan and want him to come here.
There's another key point - Celtics aren't done re-making their roster. We have 2 potential high lottery picks in next 2 years along with the Celtics' pick in 2018. In 2019, we have 3 more picks (assuming LAC make playoffs). This is a team that is well-positioned to add quality young players or to trade for another impact player in the next couple of years.

Durant and, say, Horford would be good enough to get the Celtics in the handful of teams that could realistically win a title next year. The future picks will potentially be able to get the team over the top should more talented be needed.
 

BigSoxFan

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That's...not going to be effective. Feel like the Heat and Clippers are distant 5th and 6th in this process behind OKC, GS, SA, and BOS.
 

jmm57

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No idea if this is reputable or not, but IF true you gotta think 1.) that also does not help LAC and 2.) Pierce is retiring.

Again, no idea if this is legit, but these are fun.
 

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nighthob

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5. We play in the Eastern Conference. Everyone has to go through LeBron, but in the East, that's all you really will have to get through. You won't have to go through three grueling rounds in the West anymore.
The days of three grueling rounds in the west are over. It's a four team conference these days.
 

Drocca

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I know this is nuts, and I'm not drunk or high, but I think the Celtics have a realistic shot at landing Durant. My betting money would still be on OKC, but if he leaves, I think it's for Boston. Comes down to the Coach and Culture.
 

nighthob

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I know this is nuts, and I'm not drunk or high, but I think the Celtics have a realistic shot at landing Durant. My betting money would still be on OKC, but if he leaves, I think it's for Boston. Comes down to the Coach and Culture.
This. Not merely coach and culture, but it's the ideal spot for his own dreamteam, with the Celtics already loaded with low cost depth players.
 

tbrep

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The days of three grueling rounds in the west are over. It's a four team conference these days.
That still leaves two really tough playoff rounds in which you're almost certainly facing both the Spurs and Warriors. And you have to exert yourself in the regular season to get home-court advantage against even one of those teams. Also, teams like Portland are potential first round opponents if you're the 4 seed.
 

Cellar-Door

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Edit- Windhorst reporting OKC trying to clear cap space to sign Horford. Certainly supports idea that Durant is very interested in playing with him.
Looking at their cap it's tough, and basically impossible without him taking less than the max.
but they would need to:
1. Renounce Waiters
2. Renounce Muhammed
3. Renounce Foye
4. Trade Ilyasova w/ taking money back
5. Trade Kanter w/o taking money back

Even that is something close to $7M too little space to sign Horford to the max. Could get closer if they also dump Oladipo., or Collison and Morrow. Still super tight w/ inc. roster holds.
 
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moondog80

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If the Cs aren't meeting until Saturday, I wonder what DA is going to do with Amir and JJ? I suppose he'll decline the options if he thinks there's any chance but it would suck if he let them go and didn't get KD.
Wouldn't they both be easily tradable once the options are picked up? Or is there some rule against that?
 

Auger34

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If the Cs aren't meeting until Saturday, I wonder what DA is going to do with Amir and JJ? I suppose he'll decline the options if he thinks there's any chance but it would suck if he let them go and didn't get KD.
I thought that DA had until Sunday to renounce/retain Amir and JJ?
 

BigSoxFan

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I'll let him pitch for the Red Sox too. Can't get any worse.

My wedding is Saturday about 50 miles from where KD will be. I'm more than willing to invite him and he can bring IT as his plus one!!
If he insists on prima nocta, you know what to do.
 

Jed Zeppelin

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I thought that DA had until Sunday to renounce/retain Amir and JJ?
Assuming the rule for non-guaranteed contracts becoming guaranteed mid-season applies to this case as well, they have to put the players on waivers in advance of the actual guarantee deadline. Here is the relevant passage from Question 64 of the cbafaq:
In addition, on January 102 the base salary in all contracts becomes guaranteed for the remainder of that season (except for one case -- see question 67). A player must clear waivers before this date, so teams have to waive players by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on January 7th in order to have them off their rosters before January 10.
 

Auger34

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Let's say the Celtics pull off a miracle and sign both Horford and Durant, with the cap rising again next year could they potentially add a 3rd max guy to that next offseason? Or would they have to trade/renouce too many valuable assets for that to actually work
 

DJnVa

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Let's say the Celtics pull off a miracle and sign both Horford and Durant, with the cap rising again next year could they potentially add a 3rd max guy to that next offseason? Or would they have to trade/renouce too many valuable assets for that to actually work
 
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