What the Celtics can and can't do this offseason

Marbleheader

Marbleheader

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SoSH Member
Sep 27, 2004
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There's a lot of confusion about what the Celtics can and can't do this offseason. The rules are very complex and there's a lot of misinformation out there. I'll update the OP with answers once we get a consensus.

1. If the Celtics trade for Anthony Davis what deals seem most likely?

2. Can the Celtics trade for Kevin Durant?

3. Is there any way the Celtics can sign a max free agent?

4. Is Al Horford likely to opt out?

5. If Horford opts out and Kyrie leaves, how much cap room will the Celtics have? Who would they pursue?

6. If Kyrie signs a new deal in Boston, how much cap room will the team have if Horford opts in?

7. If Kyrie exits, are the Celtics likely drop out of the Anthony Davis sweepstakes?

8. If the Celtics don't land Anthony Davis, are there other trade targets that are possible?

9. If Horford signs an extension, what affect would it have on the cap? What would an extension deal look like that makes sense for both parties?

10. Does Kyrie's decision to stay or go determine whether the Celtics build around Tatum for the future or make a run at a title?
 
lexrageorge

lexrageorge

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SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2007
18,211
This is an excellent idea for a thread. I'll add what I believe may be correct where I can.

Marbleheader said:
There's a lot of confusion about what the Celtics can and can't do this offseason. The rules are very complex and there's a lot of misinformation out there. I'll update the OP with answers once we get a consensus.

1. If the Celtics trade for Anthony Davis what deals seem most likely?

2. Can the Celtics trade for Kevin Durant?
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That easiest would be for both Durant and Horford to opt-in, and then for both of them to be traded for each other. Or they could trade Hayward for Durant. Other scenarios seem quite complicated if not outright impossible due to all the intricacies of the CBA.

3. Is there any way the Celtics can sign a max free agent?
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If none of Horford, Kyrie, and Baynes opt in, and if the Celtics were to renounce all of their remaining cap holds, they would have roughly $41M to spend. Max salary for a player like Durant would be $35.5M, so there is theoretically a way to sign a max player. Of course, getting a max guy to sign here, or at least the max guy we would want, is another story.

4. Is Al Horford likely to opt out?
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I'll say it's 50/50, as he could have a chance to make more over the next 3-4 years if he does. But I don't see it as a no-brainer either.

5. If Horford opts out and Kyrie leaves, how much cap room will the Celtics have? Who would they pursue?
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As per #2 above, they could free up to $41M in cap room.

6. If Kyrie signs a new deal in Boston, how much cap room will the team have if Horford opts in?
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In terms of cap room, zero. Al opting in and Kyrie coming back pushes them over the luxury tax threshold. And probably over the "apron" as well.

7. If Kyrie exits, are the Celtics likely drop out of the Anthony Davis sweepstakes?
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While they may not drop out, Ainge will be a lot less likely to offer Tatum. He could still try to make something work with the picks and try to convince Davis to team up with Tatum, Smart, Rozier, et al. I think there is a 10% chance of that happening, however.

8. If the Celtics don't land Anthony Davis, are there other trade targets that are possible?

9. If Horford signs an extension, what affect would it have on the cap? What would an extension deal look like that makes sense for both parties?
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The benefit to the Celtics is mainly around the luxury tax bill. I don't have a great handle on how the free agent market would play out this summer, but it seems feasible that Horford could get 3/60 if he were to opt out. Maybe it's 3/70.

10. Does Kyrie's decision to stay or go determine whether the Celtics build around Tatum for the future or make a run at a title?
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If Kyrie leaves, the Celtics would still have Tatum, a hopefully recovered Hayward, and Smart and possibly Horford. Still a good team, and Ainge still has assets to trade with the Memphis pick and Brown. I'm guessing they keep Rozier as well.
 
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