Kyrie loving Boston = Rozier to Orlando?

[Skin]

Loved today's WireTap article: Kyrie Irving Talks About Love For Boston

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/251269/Kyrie-Irving-Talks-About-Love-For-Boston

The future of Kyrie Irving will be one of the NBA's most critical storylines as he enters the final season of his contract and his second with the Boston Celtics.

“This is probably one of the few times I’ve been happy playing basketball and being in Boston has made it a lot easier, having a great environment, great organization so it’s been awesome,” said Irving.

Irving requested a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017.

“Coming to Boston, I was thinking of all the teams that were looking to trade [for] me, Boston just swooped in as Danny Ainge does, he just swooped in and it’s like ‘No, we got you.’ And I just started thinking about it and I was just so grateful because my dad went to school at BU, my mom and dad met at BU, I had been at BU for Elite camps but I had no idea I’d come to Boston but when I had the opportunity.”

Irving also touched upon his impending free agency.

“To be in a position to even be considered a franchise free agent is pretty awesome,” he said. “At this point in my career, it’s not so much about the money, it’s not so much about the extra curricular things, it’s like OK, where am I happy? Where am I most comfortable? Who’s going to give me that [atmosphere] where I would love to grow as a human being? I spent more time with my teammates than I do with my family and you want to be in a place where thinking about starting over again, obviously that’s what the thing you think about.

“You think, ‘what about a new location?’ and it’s just like I want to be comfortable and what’s better than being in Boston? This year has felt much different because of the environment that has been created for me and by me and going to the new practice facility. There’s nothing like playing at TD Garden.

“I didn’t say that to appease you guys. I actually love Boston.”

This just gets my juices amped up all over again in my desire to get Scary Terry Rozier in Orlando. When Boston resigns Kyrie and all signs pointing to that marriage continuing, they will just be too cap strapped to keep Rozier. The dominos have been falling in our favor every since this offseason began.

1st domino: Boston signed Brad Wannamaker with the persuation of giving him a significant role in order to lure him away from Europe.

2nd domino: Boston gave Marcus Smart a brand new contract making him the 4th highest paid player on their team.

Fast forward to today's outlook...

3rd domino: All signs point to Kyrie staying in Boston.

Fast forward to between now and the trade deadline...

4th domino: Orlando trades for Rozier!!!

What do you think???

[OrlandoDream]

I still think Terry Rozier is just a good backup PG. He is not a long-term solution. I rather just run the season with Briscoe, let Vuc and some other contracts expire then go all in on Kemba in summer 2019.

[The Real Dalic]

"It's not about the money" but just last week he told Jackie Macmullan that he wants to stay in Boston as long as the financial situation matches up with what he wants. I hate that lie so much, no one cares that you want to get paid, get your money, you earned it. But don't lie to the people.

As for Rozier, I'd be alright with him, but 1. I doubt it happens. 2. He's still being a little bit overrated around here. I think he's decent, but some people think of him being a budding star waiting for the right situation. He may be, but I don't see it. He would be a clear upgrade to Augustine at least.

[MagicFan101]

We are locked into Isaac and Bamba on rookie deals for a few years. We can control AG for that time on a fair deal as well if we wish.

It’s going to take a few years for Isaac and Bamba to develop.

For me, it’s less about if Rozier is a lock to be a star and more about whether or not he is worth take a chance on to ride out these early BIG years with.

I would say so. If it works out great.

[NickAnderson]

I like terry but I don’t think he’ll be good enough for what he’s going to demand on the open market

[Skin]

I like terry but I don’t think he’ll be good enough for what he’s going to demand on the open market

What's your guess on that amount?

[NickAnderson]

I like terry but I don’t think he’ll be good enough for what he’s going to demand on the open market

What's your guess on that amount?

I’m thinking pretty close to the max if salary cap is projected like it’s supposed to be

[PennytoShaq]

I’d absolutely do an expiring trade for of Vuc for Rozier. It would be madness not to. Let’s see what the man can do before the summer hits and someone overpays him on speculation instead of raw evidence.

[PrimeThyme]

I like terry but I don’t think he’ll be good enough for what he’s going to demand on the open market

What's your guess on that amount?

Easily something in the 20 mill range. Especially if a team like Phoenix doesn't make a move for a PG and they go into next summer with all that cap space and needing a guard. It's a buyers market next summer, && im not sold on Rozier enough to pay him that kind of money.

[yoyojw17]

I like terry but I don’t think he’ll be good enough for what he’s going to demand on the open market

What's your guess on that amount?

Easily something in the 20 mill range. Especially if a team like Phoenix doesn't make a move for a PG and they go into next summer with all that cap space and needing a guard. It's a buyers market next summer, && im not sold on Rozier enough to pay him that kind of money.

If that.. without a previous trade to see what he can do.... "Swift Pass" for me if that's want he expects.

"How bout 12" lol

[MagicFan101]

What's your guess on that amount?

Easily something in the 20 mill range. Especially if a team like Phoenix doesn't make a move for a PG and they go into next summer with all that cap space and needing a guard. It's a buyers market next summer, && im not sold on Rozier enough to pay him that kind of money.

If that.. without a previous trade to see what he can do.... "Swift Pass" for me if that's want he expects.

"How bout 12" lol

Honest question:

Why does it matter? If we give him a 4 year $80M with a TEAM option on the 4th his contract would expire at the same time as Bamba and Gordon. Even if we can’t grab that team option we still have no players signed for that final year with all eyes on re-upping our youngsters.

Let the BIG + Rozier play its course for 3 years. You only need $$ for backups at that point. So I ask again ... why does it matter how much you pay him?

This doesn’t even really have to be about Rozier. If there is someone out there we believe is “our guy” at PG for the next few years then throw the sink of whoever that may be and make it happen.

[PrimeThyme]

Easily something in the 20 mill range. Especially if a team like Phoenix doesn't make a move for a PG and they go into next summer with all that cap space and needing a guard. It's a buyers market next summer, && im not sold on Rozier enough to pay him that kind of money.

If that.. without a previous trade to see what he can do.... "Swift Pass" for me if that's want he expects.

"How bout 12" lol

Honest question:

Why does it matter? If we give him a 4 year $80M with a TEAM option on the 4th his contract would expire at the same time as Bamba and Gordon. Even if we can’t grab that team option we still have no players signed for that final year with all eyes on re-upping our youngsters.

Let the BIG + Rozier play its course for 3 years. You only need $$ for backups at that point. So I ask again ... why does it matter how much you pay him?

This doesn’t even really have to be about Rozier. If there is someone out there we believe is “our guy” at PG for the next few years then throw the sink of whoever that may be and make it happen.

I mean if you want to throw a max contract at Kemba next offseason that is something I could get behind. But throwing 20 plus mill a year for a guy like Rozier is risky in my opinion. We've seen the success or rather lack of success that most of the players that have left Stevens system have had in other places. He's primarily been an inefficient guy for his entire career anyways even in that system. He shot under 40% last year and while he did shoot 38% from 3, during his big run in the playoffs that everyone points to he was already back down to 33%.

I think cap flexibility is important. Our last rebuild can give some credence to that. Throwing money at a player just because you might not have anything else to spend it on that summer isn't always a smart one. Cap space can always be used to take back a bigger contract in a trade. I fully believe that WeHams focus going forward will be to continue to maintain cap flexibility as well until this young core is closer to making that jump. I dont think next year will be that year.

[Knightro]

Considering the Celtics have legitimate NBA title aspirations this year, my guess is that they'd rather *keep* Rozier this entire year and risk losing him in free agency for nothing than trade him away for a return that makes them weaker in this year's playoffs.

If the Magic really want him, they will probably have to sign him in free agency this summer.

[RickB-Orlando]

"It's not about the money" but just last week he told Jackie Macmullan that he wants to stay in Boston as long as the financial situation matches up with what he wants. I hate that lie so much, no one cares that you want to get paid, get your money, you earned it. But don't lie to the people.

I don't know, I think that quote can actually be accurate. The theory is that, so long as your compensation is above a certain base level (which varies for everyone) then job satisfaction and enjoying what you do is more important than additional compensation. I could interpret his comments along these lines as much as to mean just pay me."

As for Rozier, I'd be alright with him, but 1. I doubt it happens. 2. He's still being a little bit overrated around here. I think he's decent, but some people think of him being a budding star waiting for the right situation. He may be, but I don't see it. He wouls be a clear upgrade to Augustine at least.

I think of Rozier the way I do many players that are discussed on this board - he's a "Greener Grass Guy." The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, until you actually get there.

[MagicFan101]

If that.. without a previous trade to see what he can do.... "Swift Pass" for me if that's want he expects.

"How bout 12" lol

Honest question:

Why does it matter? If we give him a 4 year $80M with a TEAM option on the 4th his contract would expire at the same time as Bamba and Gordon. Even if we can’t grab that team option we still have no players signed for that final year with all eyes on re-upping our youngsters.

Let the BIG + Rozier play its course for 3 years. You only need $$ for backups at that point. So I ask again ... why does it matter how much you pay him?

This doesn’t even really have to be about Rozier. If there is someone out there we believe is “our guy” at PG for the next few years then throw the sink of whoever that may be and make it happen.

I mean if you want to throw a max contract at Kemba next offseason that is something I could get behind. But throwing 20 plus mill a year for a guy like Rozier is risky in my opinion. We've seen the success or rather lack of success that most of the players that have left Stevens system have had in other places. He's primarily been an inefficient guy for his entire career anyways even in that system. He shot under 40% last year and while he did shoot 38% from 3, during his big run in the playoffs that everyone points to he was already back down to 33%.

I think cap flexibility is important. Our last rebuild can give some credence to that. Throwing money at a player just because you might not have anything else to spend it on that summer isn't always a smart one. Cap space can always be used to take back a bigger contract in a trade. I fully believe that WeHams focus going forward will be to continue to maintain cap flexibility as well until this young core is closer to making that jump. I dont think next year will be that year.

I'm all for cap flexibility during a rebuild as you need to be able to pounce at the right opportunity should it present itself.

But there is the kicker ... at some point you actually have to pounce!

Forget Rozier. He specifically isn't really what I'm talking about here. He is just the example of the day. My thought on this has always been that paying over market value for a player who significantly helps your club does not have to be bad. We are in a unique place with so much of our key roster spots tied to small contracts. People don't like the idea of a lesser player being the highest paid player on the team. I say, "who cares?" As long as it all fits under the cap and all deals expire in time for re-upping those rookie deals then how much harm is done? Sure, if it doesn't work out then you have a deal which is difficult to trade but if you live in fear of such a move you never add anyone meaningful in a place like Orlando which doesn't automatically pull free agents.

Rashard Lewis is a good example. Everyone hated the deal as he was over paid but can it be argued that he didn't help us reach a new level in some pretty darn fun times to be a Magic fan?

Now, if we already had multiple max deals then you have to be extra careful on how you spend what little extra money you have. You need to round out the roster around these stars carefully. But we aren't in that situation. That is a luxury that allows us to approach free agency differently. Don't be an idiot and throw a ton at a Biz when you have Vuc and Ibaka. But when we clearly need a PG upgrade we can be a little reckless in our pursuit of "our guy" ... make him an offer he can't refuse. ... whoever that guy may be.

[PrimeThyme]

Honest question:

Why does it matter? If we give him a 4 year $80M with a TEAM option on the 4th his contract would expire at the same time as Bamba and Gordon. Even if we can’t grab that team option we still have no players signed for that final year with all eyes on re-upping our youngsters.

Let the BIG + Rozier play its course for 3 years. You only need $$ for backups at that point. So I ask again ... why does it matter how much you pay him?

This doesn’t even really have to be about Rozier. If there is someone out there we believe is “our guy” at PG for the next few years then throw the sink of whoever that may be and make it happen.

I mean if you want to throw a max contract at Kemba next offseason that is something I could get behind. But throwing 20 plus mill a year for a guy like Rozier is risky in my opinion. We've seen the success or rather lack of success that most of the players that have left Stevens system have had in other places. He's primarily been an inefficient guy for his entire career anyways even in that system. He shot under 40% last year and while he did shoot 38% from 3, during his big run in the playoffs that everyone points to he was already back down to 33%.

I think cap flexibility is important. Our last rebuild can give some credence to that. Throwing money at a player just because you might not have anything else to spend it on that summer isn't always a smart one. Cap space can always be used to take back a bigger contract in a trade. I fully believe that WeHams focus going forward will be to continue to maintain cap flexibility as well until this young core is closer to making that jump. I dont think next year will be that year.

I'm all for cap flexibility during a rebuild as you need to be able to pounce at the right opportunity should it present itself.

But there is the kicker ... at some point you actually have to pounce!

Forget Rozier. He specifically isn't really what I'm talking about here. He is just the example of the day. My thought on this has always been that paying over market value for a player who significantly helps your club does not have to be bad. We are in a unique place with so much of our key roster spots tied to small contracts. People don't like the idea of a lesser player being the highest paid player on the team. I say, "who cares?" As long as it all fits under the cap and all deals expire in time for re-upping those rookie deals then how much harm is done? Sure, if it doesn't work out then you have a deal which is difficult to trade but if you live in fear of such a move you never add anyone meaningful in a place like Orlando which doesn't automatically pull free agents.

Rashard Lewis is a good example. Everyone hated the deal as he was over paid but can it be argued that he didn't help us reach a new level in some pretty darn fun times to be a Magic fan?

Now, if we already had multiple max deals then you have to be extra careful on how you spend what little extra money you have. You need to round out the roster around these stars carefully. But we aren't in that situation. That is a luxury that allows us to approach free agency differently. Don't be an idiot and throw a ton at a Biz when you have Vuc and Ibaka. But when we clearly need a PG upgrade we can be a little reckless in our pursuit of "our guy" ... make him an offer he can't refuse. ... whoever that guy may be.

I'm down to pounce on the right player, thats why I said Id throw a max contract offer at Kemba. Kemba would be very similar to the Rashard signing. I just don't want to throw money at the wrong guys. I really don't see the right guy point guard wise these next couple years though outside of Kemba who is a longshot at best to sign here, to begin with. These next two PG free agent classes are quite weak and most of the middle tier guys are going to get overpaid in a buyers market.

I still think that upgrade we are looking for will have to come through trade at some point.

[MagicFan101]

I mean if you want to throw a max contract at Kemba next offseason that is something I could get behind. But throwing 20 plus mill a year for a guy like Rozier is risky in my opinion. We've seen the success or rather lack of success that most of the players that have left Stevens system have had in other places. He's primarily been an inefficient guy for his entire career anyways even in that system. He shot under 40% last year and while he did shoot 38% from 3, during his big run in the playoffs that everyone points to he was already back down to 33%.

I think cap flexibility is important. Our last rebuild can give some credence to that. Throwing money at a player just because you might not have anything else to spend it on that summer isn't always a smart one. Cap space can always be used to take back a bigger contract in a trade. I fully believe that WeHams focus going forward will be to continue to maintain cap flexibility as well until this young core is closer to making that jump. I dont think next year will be that year.

I'm all for cap flexibility during a rebuild as you need to be able to pounce at the right opportunity should it present itself.

But there is the kicker ... at some point you actually have to pounce!

Forget Rozier. He specifically isn't really what I'm talking about here. He is just the example of the day. My thought on this has always been that paying over market value for a player who significantly helps your club does not have to be bad. We are in a unique place with so much of our key roster spots tied to small contracts. People don't like the idea of a lesser player being the highest paid player on the team. I say, "who cares?" As long as it all fits under the cap and all deals expire in time for re-upping those rookie deals then how much harm is done? Sure, if it doesn't work out then you have a deal which is difficult to trade but if you live in fear of such a move you never add anyone meaningful in a place like Orlando which doesn't automatically pull free agents.

Rashard Lewis is a good example. Everyone hated the deal as he was over paid but can it be argued that he didn't help us reach a new level in some pretty darn fun times to be a Magic fan?

Now, if we already had multiple max deals then you have to be extra careful on how you spend what little extra money you have. You need to round out the roster around these stars carefully. But we aren't in that situation. That is a luxury that allows us to approach free agency differently. Don't be an idiot and throw a ton at a Biz when you have Vuc and Ibaka. But when we clearly need a PG upgrade we can be a little reckless in our pursuit of "our guy" ... make him an offer he can't refuse. ... whoever that guy may be.

I'm down to pounce on the right player, thats why I said Id throw a max contract offer at Kemba. Kemba would be very similar to the Rashard signing. I just don't want to throw money at the wrong guys. I really don't see the right guy point guard wise these next couple years though outside of Kemba who is a longshot at best to sign here, to begin with. These next two PG free agent classes are quite weak and most of the middle tier guys are going to get overpaid in a buyers market.

I still think that upgrade we are looking for will have to come through trade at some point.

Kemba is a bad example as he is going to get a max ... therefore you can’t overspend. He doesn’t apply to this scenario.

I’m talking about spending more than other teams are willing to for the sake of securing the player you want while we remain in that sweet spot of building around mostly rookie contracts. This same philosophy is becoming a trend in the NFL for teams with great young QBs yet to be paid.


... I also don’t believe for one single second that Kemba has any interest in leaving Charlotte for Orlando. So there is that.

[PrimeThyme]

I'm all for cap flexibility during a rebuild as you need to be able to pounce at the right opportunity should it present itself.

But there is the kicker ... at some point you actually have to pounce!

Forget Rozier. He specifically isn't really what I'm talking about here. He is just the example of the day. My thought on this has always been that paying over market value for a player who significantly helps your club does not have to be bad. We are in a unique place with so much of our key roster spots tied to small contracts. People don't like the idea of a lesser player being the highest paid player on the team. I say, "who cares?" As long as it all fits under the cap and all deals expire in time for re-upping those rookie deals then how much harm is done? Sure, if it doesn't work out then you have a deal which is difficult to trade but if you live in fear of such a move you never add anyone meaningful in a place like Orlando which doesn't automatically pull free agents.

Rashard Lewis is a good example. Everyone hated the deal as he was over paid but can it be argued that he didn't help us reach a new level in some pretty darn fun times to be a Magic fan?

Now, if we already had multiple max deals then you have to be extra careful on how you spend what little extra money you have. You need to round out the roster around these stars carefully. But we aren't in that situation. That is a luxury that allows us to approach free agency differently. Don't be an idiot and throw a ton at a Biz when you have Vuc and Ibaka. But when we clearly need a PG upgrade we can be a little reckless in our pursuit of "our guy" ... make him an offer he can't refuse. ... whoever that guy may be.

I'm down to pounce on the right player, thats why I said Id throw a max contract offer at Kemba. Kemba would be very similar to the Rashard signing. I just don't want to throw money at the wrong guys. I really don't see the right guy point guard wise these next couple years though outside of Kemba who is a longshot at best to sign here, to begin with. These next two PG free agent classes are quite weak and most of the middle tier guys are going to get overpaid in a buyers market.

I still think that upgrade we are looking for will have to come through trade at some point.

Kemba is a bad example as he is going to get a max ... therefore you can’t overspend. He doesn’t apply to this scenario.

I’m talking about spending more than other teams are willing to for the sake of securing the player you want while we remain in that sweet spot of building around mostly rookie contracts. This same philosophy is becoming a trend in the NFL for teams with great young QBs yet to be paid.


... I also don’t believe for one single second that Kemba has any interest in leaving Charlotte for Orlando. So there is that.

Well, If you're asking if I'm willing to pay max to near max money for Rozier, Bledsoe, or Dragic... no I'm not.

[Def Swami]

Considering the Celtics have legitimate NBA title aspirations this year, my guess is that they'd rather *keep* Rozier this entire year and risk losing him in free agency for nothing than trade him away for a return that makes them weaker in this year's playoffs.

If the Magic really want him, they will probably have to sign him in free agency this summer.

Agree. I doubt the Celtics have any urgency to trade Rozier. He's a valuable cog in their title run and insurance for Kyrie Irving's knees. Rozier is also probably one of the better assets in the league to use in a big trade that may come available during the season. He represents some flexibility for the team during the season if they need it.

[Def Swami]

I like Rozier. He's on a list of guards I hope the Magic try to trade for or sign next off-season. He's up there with Spencer Dinwiddie and D'Angelo Russell.