Free Agent/Trade Thread 2026-27, Part X (It's a Tragedy to See the Dream is Over)

[threrf23]

I am not a big fan of Naz, particularly on his current contract. He has gotten better on defense I think, at least on/off numbers were decent in Minny but he was part of a system there. His appeal was initially based in part on him being an undrafted FA on a cheap contract & that dynamic is now gone.

At best, he's not a big time shot blocker, not a double digit rebounder, and on offense he's a bit of a volume shooter. THis season and last, per minute Luka Garza scores almost as many points (on 12 FGAs per 36 vs 20), gets to the line more, turns the ball over less, rebounds about the same. Reid would def be the more versatile defender and probably the better defender, but he's not close to being an improvement over Walsh/PG/etc & not sure he makes great use of his extra size.

Anyways, not sure if he really isn't working out in Charlotte, they may as well be soft tanking this year. And a lot of Minny fans don't want him back, or at least they prefer Kuminga.

[redslastlaugh]

Closer to the deadline, I could see Ron Harper and three seconds to Golden State for DAnthony Melton, once he’s down to a games remaining prorate that keeps us under the tax… if Golden State is out of the mix

Edit:
Other guys, based on my understanding of the cap rules and our TPEs, that I think we could flip Ron Harper Jr for, and still remain under the tax if the trade is done at the deadline
Keon Ellis
Quinten Post
Harrison Barnes
Tre Jones
Benedict Mathurin
Saddiq Bey
Luke Kennard
Jamie Jaquez
Kris Dunn

[Half-Full]

Yeah Hauser is really good, and having one of his best seasons so far.
I have mentioned trading him in the past after 1-6 shooting night, but I can be fickle
He makes us better with his gravity as he is a historically good shooter. His defense is above average and at times pretty good.

He is a heady player as well. Doesn't make many mistakes. Doesn't demand the ball, and knows what to do when he has it. He's a steady, dead-eye shooter, and when he's on a heater, look out! I'm a big fan. Haven't seen any trade proposals involving Hauser that I would jump on.

[playa-hater]

Closer to the deadline, I could see Ron Harper and three seconds to Golden State for DAnthony Melton, once he’s down to a games remaining prorate that keeps us under the tax… if Golden State is out of the mix

Edit:
Other guys, based on my understanding of the cap rules and our TPEs, that I think we could flip Ron Harper Jr for, and still remain under the tax if the trade is done at the deadline
Keon Ellis
Quinten Post
Harrison Barnes
Tre Jones
Benedict Mathurin
Saddiq Bey
Luke Kennard
Jamie Jaquez
Kris Dunn

I appreciate the effort to make any list since volume is low around here.. but not sure I would take any of those guys over who we have currently

[Bill Lumbergh]

Closer to the deadline, I could see Ron Harper and three seconds to Golden State for DAnthony Melton, once he’s down to a games remaining prorate that keeps us under the tax… if Golden State is out of the mix

Edit:
Other guys, based on my understanding of the cap rules and our TPEs, that I think we could flip Ron Harper Jr for, and still remain under the tax if the trade is done at the deadline
Keon Ellis
Quinten Post
Harrison Barnes
Tre Jones
Benedict Mathurin
Saddiq Bey
Luke Kennard
Jamie Jaquez
Kris Dunn

I still think our biggest need is someone who can beat their guy off the bounce (it would ideally be a PG), particularly in the playoffs. We will win a lot of regular season games with our style of play now, but once you get to the playoffs, and certain teams are really good at switching, which limits our ability to create advantages, at some point, you just need a guy or two that can beat their man. I suspect that will be really hard to come by this year, since we're clearly not going to go above the tax threshold and we'll reset the repeater tax, so I expect this to happen in the off-season, but hey, who knows, someone super cheap might shake loose in season (as if.)

[brackdan70]

C's were linked to Naz Reid in a potential Jaylen Brown package and he's not fitting in well in Charlotte. How do we feel about a Mitchell Robinson + Sam Hauser for Naz Reid trade after Mitch's trade restriction is lifted?

I don’t hate Reid’s skill set but we don’t need it and Robinson and Hauser is too much to much to give. If we make a trade it needs to be for a quick ball handler that can D up and get to the rack.

[Dogen]

Closer to the deadline, I could see Ron Harper and three seconds to Golden State for DAnthony Melton, once he’s down to a games remaining prorate that keeps us under the tax… if Golden State is out of the mix

Edit:
Other guys, based on my understanding of the cap rules and our TPEs, that I think we could flip Ron Harper Jr for, and still remain under the tax if the trade is done at the deadline
Keon Ellis
Quinten Post
Harrison Barnes
Tre Jones
Benedict Mathurin
Saddiq Bey
Luke Kennard
Jamie Jaquez
Kris Dunn

I still think our biggest need is someone who can beat their guy off the bounce (it would ideally be a PG), particularly in the playoffs. We will win a lot of regular season games with our style of play now, but once you get to the playoffs, and certain teams are really good at switching, which limits our ability to create advantages, at some point, you just need a guy or two that can beat their man. I suspect that will be really hard to come by this year, since we're clearly not going to go above the tax threshold and we'll reset the repeater tax, so I expect this to happen in the off-season, but hey, who knows, someone super cheap might shake loose in season (as if.)

I liked Bennedict Mathurin in Indiana, thing is can he get his 3pt% back up to where it was a couple years ago before he went journeyman. He's not a PG, but good rim pressure and can get his shot. Would he be a fit in the right system and environment? Mathurin does seem like a guy that could shake loose in the market again, and would be pretty good value at his contract through 2028.

IDK, he's not the Answer with a capital A, but has some heat check moments when he gets hot. He's a live body too. And he had some nice moments in the finals against OKC, so there's that playoff tested experience. Flawed in some ways, but could be a nice bench player for the Celtics.

[brackdan70]

What’s up with Kevin Porter Jr.?

[Bill Lumbergh]

Closer to the deadline, I could see Ron Harper and three seconds to Golden State for DAnthony Melton, once he’s down to a games remaining prorate that keeps us under the tax… if Golden State is out of the mix

Edit:
Other guys, based on my understanding of the cap rules and our TPEs, that I think we could flip Ron Harper Jr for, and still remain under the tax if the trade is done at the deadline
Keon Ellis
Quinten Post
Harrison Barnes
Tre Jones
Benedict Mathurin
Saddiq Bey
Luke Kennard
Jamie Jaquez
Kris Dunn

I still think our biggest need is someone who can beat their guy off the bounce (it would ideally be a PG), particularly in the playoffs. We will win a lot of regular season games with our style of play now, but once you get to the playoffs, and certain teams are really good at switching, which limits our ability to create advantages, at some point, you just need a guy or two that can beat their man. I suspect that will be really hard to come by this year, since we're clearly not going to go above the tax threshold and we'll reset the repeater tax, so I expect this to happen in the off-season, but hey, who knows, someone super cheap might shake loose in season (as if.)

I liked Bennedict Mathurin in Indiana, thing is can he get his 3pt% back up to where it was a couple years ago before he went journeyman. He's not a PG, but good rim pressure and can get his shot. Would he be a fit in the right system and environment? Mathurin does seem like a guy that could shake loose in the market again, and would be pretty good value at his contract through 2028.

IDK, he's not the Answer with a capital A, but has some heat check moments when he gets hot. He's a live body too. And he had some nice moments in the finals against OKC, so there's that playoff tested experience. Flawed in some ways, but could be a nice bench player for the Celtics.

I like him, too. He's apparently on the Pelicans now at $8M per. I'd still prefer a PG type, but I think Mathurin can beat his guy off the bounce? I've only seen him against us, so my memory could be off. I figure I've got about a good halfzheimers at this point. Mainly, what I remember about him is that he's super athletic. He's a 2/3, so he'd be competing for minutes with our present glut of those guys.

[Fierce1]

C's were linked to Naz Reid in a potential Jaylen Brown package and he's not fitting in well in Charlotte. How do we feel about a Mitchell Robinson + Sam Hauser for Naz Reid trade after Mitch's trade restriction is lifted?

I don’t hate Reid’s skill set but we don’t need it and Robinson and Hauser is too much to much to give. If we make a trade it needs to be for a quick ball handler that can D up and get to the rack.

True.

That's just too much.

I think Robinson is a keeper.
His true value will show in the playoffs.

[Bill Lumbergh]

What’s up with Kevin Porter Jr.?

He's talented, but a complete headcase (See his Wiki page.) I am certain Brad would want no part of him.

[brackdan70]

Kings are allegedly ready to trade and rebuild around Acuff. Anyone there of interest….or did we already snag all their best players.

[redslastlaugh]

Closer to the deadline, I could see Ron Harper and three seconds to Golden State for DAnthony Melton, once he’s down to a games remaining prorate that keeps us under the tax… if Golden State is out of the mix

Edit:
Other guys, based on my understanding of the cap rules and our TPEs, that I think we could flip Ron Harper Jr for, and still remain under the tax if the trade is done at the deadline
Keon Ellis
Quinten Post
Harrison Barnes
Tre Jones
Benedict Mathurin
Saddiq Bey
Luke Kennard
Jamie Jaquez
Kris Dunn

I still think our biggest need is someone who can beat their guy off the bounce (it would ideally be a PG), particularly in the playoffs. We will win a lot of regular season games with our style of play now, but once you get to the playoffs, and certain teams are really good at switching, which limits our ability to create advantages, at some point, you just need a guy or two that can beat their man. I suspect that will be really hard to come by this year, since we're clearly not going to go above the tax threshold and we'll reset the repeater tax, so I expect this to happen in the off-season, but hey, who knows, someone super cheap might shake loose in season (as if.)

I liked Bennedict Mathurin in Indiana, thing is can he get his 3pt% back up to where it was a couple years ago before he went journeyman. He's not a PG, but good rim pressure and can get his shot. Would he be a fit in the right system and environment? Mathurin does seem like a guy that could shake loose in the market again, and would be pretty good value at his contract through 2028.

IDK, he's not the Answer with a capital A, but has some heat check moments when he gets hot. He's a live body too. And he had some nice moments in the finals against OKC, so there's that playoff tested experience. Flawed in some ways, but could be a nice bench player for the Celtics.

The guy that I think slides in for Ron Harper Jr who fits the bill is Anthony Black

I’m not 100% sure, but I think we can trade Harper’s $3m for Blacks $10m, and we only count the pro-rated amount of Blacks salary against the Celtics cap sheet. If there are 35 games remaining after the trade deadline, we can get up to a $10m player, and our only cap hit would be for those games he plays on the Celtics, which i think we can absorb and still be under the tax only sending RHJ out

I think Anthony Black is about the highest salary guy we can take back for Ron Harper and still be under the tax

[playa-hater]

I still think our biggest need is someone who can beat their guy off the bounce (it would ideally be a PG), particularly in the playoffs. We will win a lot of regular season games with our style of play now, but once you get to the playoffs, and certain teams are really good at switching, which limits our ability to create advantages, at some point, you just need a guy or two that can beat their man. I suspect that will be really hard to come by this year, since we're clearly not going to go above the tax threshold and we'll reset the repeater tax, so I expect this to happen in the off-season, but hey, who knows, someone super cheap might shake loose in season (as if.)

I liked Bennedict Mathurin in Indiana, thing is can he get his 3pt% back up to where it was a couple years ago before he went journeyman. He's not a PG, but good rim pressure and can get his shot. Would he be a fit in the right system and environment? Mathurin does seem like a guy that could shake loose in the market again, and would be pretty good value at his contract through 2028.

IDK, he's not the Answer with a capital A, but has some heat check moments when he gets hot. He's a live body too. And he had some nice moments in the finals against OKC, so there's that playoff tested experience. Flawed in some ways, but could be a nice bench player for the Celtics.

The guy that I think slides in for Ron Harper Jr who fits the bill is Anthony Black

I’m not 100% sure, but I think we can trade Harper’s $3m for Blacks $10m, and we only count the pro-rated amount of Blacks salary against the Celtics cap sheet. If there are 35 games remaining after the trade deadline, we can get up to a $10m player, and our only cap hit would be for those games he plays on the Celtics, which i think we can absorb and still be under the tax only sending RHJ out

I think Anthony Black is about the highest salary guy we can take back for Ron Harper and still be under the tax

Considering our salary situation Anthony black would probably be my number one wish I can get player with those circumstances.. he is both young talented and a legit starter and can play multiple positions.. with all due respect to all of our wing players besides Tatum and PG he would be our best.. he can play some point guard but certainly isn't on normal natural fit.. I'm sure we would have to give up some draft capital and I certainly would consider our first next year..

But would Orlando do that?

[Bill Lumbergh]

I still think our biggest need is someone who can beat their guy off the bounce (it would ideally be a PG), particularly in the playoffs. We will win a lot of regular season games with our style of play now, but once you get to the playoffs, and certain teams are really good at switching, which limits our ability to create advantages, at some point, you just need a guy or two that can beat their man. I suspect that will be really hard to come by this year, since we're clearly not going to go above the tax threshold and we'll reset the repeater tax, so I expect this to happen in the off-season, but hey, who knows, someone super cheap might shake loose in season (as if.)

I liked Bennedict Mathurin in Indiana, thing is can he get his 3pt% back up to where it was a couple years ago before he went journeyman. He's not a PG, but good rim pressure and can get his shot. Would he be a fit in the right system and environment? Mathurin does seem like a guy that could shake loose in the market again, and would be pretty good value at his contract through 2028.

IDK, he's not the Answer with a capital A, but has some heat check moments when he gets hot. He's a live body too. And he had some nice moments in the finals against OKC, so there's that playoff tested experience. Flawed in some ways, but could be a nice bench player for the Celtics.

The guy that I think slides in for Ron Harper Jr who fits the bill is Anthony Black

I’m not 100% sure, but I think we can trade Harper’s $3m for Blacks $10m, and we only count the pro-rated amount of Blacks salary against the Celtics cap sheet. If there are 35 games remaining after the trade deadline, we can get up to a $10m player, and our only cap hit would be for those games he plays on the Celtics, which i think we can absorb and still be under the tax only sending RHJ out

I think Anthony Black is about the highest salary guy we can take back for Ron Harper and still be under the tax

Aren't the Magic pretty high on him? I'm wondering why they would have any interest in this?

[ConstableGeneva]

I still think our biggest need is someone who can beat their guy off the bounce (it would ideally be a PG), particularly in the playoffs. We will win a lot of regular season games with our style of play now, but once you get to the playoffs, and certain teams are really good at switching, which limits our ability to create advantages, at some point, you just need a guy or two that can beat their man. I suspect that will be really hard to come by this year, since we're clearly not going to go above the tax threshold and we'll reset the repeater tax, so I expect this to happen in the off-season, but hey, who knows, someone super cheap might shake loose in season (as if.)

I liked Bennedict Mathurin in Indiana, thing is can he get his 3pt% back up to where it was a couple years ago before he went journeyman. He's not a PG, but good rim pressure and can get his shot. Would he be a fit in the right system and environment? Mathurin does seem like a guy that could shake loose in the market again, and would be pretty good value at his contract through 2028.

IDK, he's not the Answer with a capital A, but has some heat check moments when he gets hot. He's a live body too. And he had some nice moments in the finals against OKC, so there's that playoff tested experience. Flawed in some ways, but could be a nice bench player for the Celtics.

The guy that I think slides in for Ron Harper Jr who fits the bill is Anthony Black

I’m not 100% sure, but I think we can trade Harper’s $3m for Blacks $10m, and we only count the pro-rated amount of Blacks salary against the Celtics cap sheet. If there are 35 games remaining after the trade deadline, we can get up to a $10m player, and our only cap hit would be for those games he plays on the Celtics, which i think we can absorb and still be under the tax only sending RHJ out

I think Anthony Black is about the highest salary guy we can take back for Ron Harper and still be under the tax

Salary matching doesn't work that way. Salary matching rules apply to full season salary, not pro-rated amount.

[Marvel]

Dejounte Murray?

[redslastlaugh]

I liked Bennedict Mathurin in Indiana, thing is can he get his 3pt% back up to where it was a couple years ago before he went journeyman. He's not a PG, but good rim pressure and can get his shot. Would he be a fit in the right system and environment? Mathurin does seem like a guy that could shake loose in the market again, and would be pretty good value at his contract through 2028.

IDK, he's not the Answer with a capital A, but has some heat check moments when he gets hot. He's a live body too. And he had some nice moments in the finals against OKC, so there's that playoff tested experience. Flawed in some ways, but could be a nice bench player for the Celtics.

The guy that I think slides in for Ron Harper Jr who fits the bill is Anthony Black

I’m not 100% sure, but I think we can trade Harper’s $3m for Blacks $10m, and we only count the pro-rated amount of Blacks salary against the Celtics cap sheet. If there are 35 games remaining after the trade deadline, we can get up to a $10m player, and our only cap hit would be for those games he plays on the Celtics, which i think we can absorb and still be under the tax only sending RHJ out

I think Anthony Black is about the highest salary guy we can take back for Ron Harper and still be under the tax

Salary matching doesn't work that way. Salary matching rules apply to full season salary, not pro-rated amount.

Yea, I am not sure I got it right, lol

[playa-hater]

Dejounte Murray?

I am guessing his salary would be hard to match.

[doogie_hauser]

Dejounte Murray?

No way

Did you say what he said about Derrick White when he was on The Spurs. (Its on the General Board Thread)

This guy's attitude is toxic and is on way too much
money. Hard pass from me. No Divas on our team or culture !