This is true, but I'd imagine if Hayward signs with Boston, or any other team but Utah, he'd sign a 4 year deal with an opt-out after three years. He'd have one less season locked in at the end, but assuming a 102M cap and a max deal, he'd be leaving less than 3M on the table over the first three years and be able to opt out and hit FA again at age 30 with a new team having his full Bird rights.
Who is that pressure coming from? He is extremely secure in his job arguably the most secure of any GM in the league. He knows the types of talent he can upgrade this roster with over the next two drafts. Ainge has a history of being patient when it seems most around him are impatient. I don't expect him to make a desperation move when he is in such an enviable position.
Not to mention two first round picks from Memphis (decent quality pick by 2019) and the LA Clippers (a lower quality pick by 2020, or possibly a distant assortment of oddments).
I certainly don't mean to imply Ainge has done a bad job. Just that the next step is the hardest and most important part.
The ship sailed on Thomas as a sixth man a long time ago. Lil' Zeke is a great player, but he's Iverson's Minime for better and worse. Boston's best case scenario is that they draft a player that can QB the offense immediately and then move Thomas and one of the other medium contracts (Bradley or Crowder) for an upgrade at the PF spot.
I've though for a while that the Celtics have to do something here, and I still have no idea what or how they make this move. A good case can be made for moving any one of them (or any two of them if they land a more talented guard in the draft as seems likely).
Given Noel's contract situation I don't see the Sixers getting any kind of offer that would entice them to trade him.
How else are the Clippers going to add talent? I can see them trying it. Paul turns 32 in May. I can see the angle of adding Melo and going for it over the next 2-3 years. Likely wouldn't work but not sure what a better alternative is.
But there isnt anything to go for with Melo. You're turning rivers and Crawford, one on one non-playmakers, into him while losing the ability to space the floor (Reddick). It's a completely stupid trade with a capital STUPID. Which is probably why Doc is considering it.
There is more to ones life than his job. Is it weird that he put his family first and made his wife's career and their marriage a priority? She wanted/needed to be in New York. When you step back and look at his decision it is actually pretty admirable of the man.
Not just any PG but one he actually has a relationship with. It'snot out of the question that if traded to the Clippers, Melo puts everything into this one run for a championship - kind of like the Lakers getting Bob McAdoo back in what, 1981?
I'd take the gamble for sure if I were the Clips; I agree he is still a valuable player in the abstract. But keep in mind the issue isn't just talent, it's role and ego...we have no idea whether Carmelo is willing to be what Clips would want (one of three alphas, and perhaps third of the three). The NY experience this year is not altogether promising, but the context is very dfiferent.
Only real issue is if you think you can get something better for the cap space. And given the CBA, I'm not convinced we will but we'll see. Ainge has already nixed the deal.
I see the opposite in Carmelo's career, actually. He pushed his way out of a pretty good basketball situation in Denver to be in a bigger market (so, all about ego) and then has been largely a diva in NY. A very good player, mind you, but still someone very focused on his role and public persona. Now, he's failed to transition comfortably into the 'experienced veteran leader' role and is a bad enough fit that the team is actively trying to dump him.
Celtics first next year, rozier or olynyk and zeller to match salary? Sign me up!
hope Danny can convince Orlando to take package like Amir + Young + package of late 1st/2nd round picks
Hayward, but he's probably unrealistic unless Brad has some weird pull over him that would make him take less money to play on a comparable team. It ain't Butler anymore
But, is Kelly really part of the future in Boston? He'll get a 4 year 60M - 70M deal possibly in the offseason. Danny isn't going to tie that money down with him. Wow, that money could really happen for him.
Can you expand on your comment? Kelly plays 20 minutes a game over the season, in January it is still under 22. I understand Kelly spaces the floor and has the three point shot. But the celts are shooting threes at an unprecedented rate in their history with him only playing that many minutes and taking three three point attempts per game.
