Free Agent, Trade, Buyout, Extension & Conversion Thread, 2025 con't

[hugepatsfan]

What about Jrue back to MIL? Giannis loves him and they're hanging on for dear life to try and stop him from requesting a trade.

Kuzma + Pat Connaughton for Jrue.

We attach some 2nds to PatC to ship him into a TPE/MLE somewhere. Maybe MIL can pay them because of how much Kuzma sucks, but contract value is tough in the NBA so even though Jrue is good and Kuzma sucks our hands might be tied.

Trade Kuzma to CHI for Patrick Williams who's about $4.4M cheaper in 25-26. Since they shed some contract years maybe they pay us 2nds even.

In the end we turn Jrue plus some 2nds (or maybe not if MIL pays the PatC dump and/or we recoup the 2nds from CHI) into Patrick Williams. Huge downgrade but we save $14.4M which does the lion's share of what we need to do to duck the 2nd apron this year and it saves $16.8M in 26-27 which puts us in position to duck the luxury tax like we probably need to do. Follow it up with the Porzingis into Nurkic trade that's been posted before and for basically no future asset cost we'll have ducked the 2nd apron this year and the luxury tax next year. Tatum would come back to a roster of:

White / Pritchard
Brown / Scheierman
Hauser / Walsh
Tatum / Patrick Williams
Queta

Plus the 2025 #28 pick, the 2025 #32 pick and then our 2026 1st rounder which would project to be a pretty good pick. Especially if we tell Brown to take his time resting that knee. Team is below the luxury tax without and long term payroll issues and own all of their future picks except the one we sent to POR (plus the swap rights SA has in 2028).

It ain't perfect. It ain't fun. But I feel that would be an ok outcome from a really bad situation we got stuck with here.

[Fierce1]

Really sucks knowing Celtics have no shot winning a chip next season.

Guess the next best thing is how can Brad make next season interesting or a little exciting.

[Cricket23]

If they hold on to Sam until the deadline, they could get a better return. His minutes should go way up with JT down.

[hugepatsfan]

BOS gives: Holiday, Porzingis, 3 future 2nds
BOS gets: Patrick Williams

Why? Celtics shed $45.1M this which gets them all the way below the 2nd apron. Williams deal is long but he might be a good fit in a supporting role for them.

MIL gives: Kuzma, Portis, PatC, Brook Lopez (S&T full MLE contract, 3rd year non guaranteed)
MIL gets: Holiday, Porzingis

Why? Bring back Giannis' friend in Holiday and also get Porzingis who reportedly he's got a relationship with. They convince him this gives him enough of a supporting cast to stick with MIL one more year.

GSW gives: nothing
GSW gets: Brook Lopez (S&T MLE contract, 3rd year non guaranteed), future BOS 2nd

Why? Get the big man they need for their rotation and pick up a 2nd for using their MLE via S&T instead of outright.

CHI gives: Patrick Williams, 2 future 2nds
CHI gets: Kyle Kuzma

Why? Shed some long term money since Kuzma has 2 years to 4 for Williams.

SAC gives: nothing
SAC gets: Portis (Huerter TPE) PatC (MLE), 2 future BOS 2nds, 2 future CHI 2nds

Why? Get two good fits for their MLE/TPE and get paid 2nds for it.

[Curmudgeon]

Kuzma is just awful. Don't want him anywhere near the Celtics. I'd even take Jordan Poole over him, that's how bad Kuzma is.

[165bows]

BOS gives: Holiday, Porzingis, 3 future 2nds
BOS gets: Patrick Williams

Why? Celtics shed $45.1M this which gets them all the way below the 2nd apron. Williams deal is long but he might be a good fit in a supporting role for them.

MIL gives: Kuzma, Portis, PatC, Brook Lopez (S&T full MLE contract, 3rd year non guaranteed)
MIL gets: Holiday, Porzingis

Why? Bring back Giannis' friend in Holiday and also get Porzingis who reportedly he's got a relationship with. They convince him this gives him enough of a supporting cast to stick with MIL one more year.

GSW gives: nothing
GSW gets: Brook Lopez (S&T MLE contract, 3rd year non guaranteed), future BOS 2nd

Why? Get the big man they need for their rotation and pick up a 2nd for using their MLE via S&T instead of outright.

CHI gives: Patrick Williams, 2 future 2nds
CHI gets: Kyle Kuzma

Why? Shed some long term money since Kuzma has 2 years to 4 for Williams.

SAC gives: nothing
SAC gets: Portis (Huerter TPE) PatC (MLE), 2 future BOS 2nds, 2 future CHI 2nds

Why? Get two good fits for their MLE/TPE and get paid 2nds for it.

Milwaukee is an option I hadn’t thought of. Though they get off too cheaply here pretty handily imo. Boston’s tax issues just got way tougher not having JT and possibly JB next year but Milwaukee has traded off their future picks and might have Giannis jumping ship.

If they don’t handle this right they could be in the NBA hell for the better part of a decade and this at least gives them a fighting shot at avoiding that.

Edit:

Also curious while you are working these up if there is something to Van Vleet to Orlando, Jrue (+possibly Al s+t) to Houston. Say eg Orlando decides to really overpay FVV which to me makes a ton of sense for them then that should create all kinds of avenues for trades that don’t involve Pat Williams

Edit2: nvrmnd Orl isn’t one of the cap space teams. Still I could see either Detroit or Chicago being interested in him.

[Fierce1]

I think new ownership will want to keep ticket sales up.

So Jordan Poole and Kuzma will not generate excitement.

But JB and KD in 2025-26 and a potential JT, JB, and KD in 2026-27 would certainly generate interest to all NBA fans.

[165bows]

I think new ownership will want to keep ticket sales up.

So Jordan Poole and Kuzma will not generate excitement.

But JB and KD in 2025-26 and a potential JT, JB, and KD in 2026-27 would certainly generate interest to all NBA fans.

Jrue/Porzingis for KD then get under the tax the year after made some sense before… well, you know.

[Fierce1]

I think new ownership will want to keep ticket sales up.

So Jordan Poole and Kuzma will not generate excitement.

But JB and KD in 2025-26 and a potential JT, JB, and KD in 2026-27 would certainly generate interest to all NBA fans.

Jrue/Porzingis for KD then get under the tax the year after made some sense before… well, you know.

For KD to Boston to work, Cs would have to trade DWhite for KD and also trade Jrue and KP to other teams.

[hugepatsfan]

BOS gives: Holiday, Porzingis, 3 future 2nds
BOS gets: Patrick Williams

Why? Celtics shed $45.1M this which gets them all the way below the 2nd apron. Williams deal is long but he might be a good fit in a supporting role for them.

MIL gives: Kuzma, Portis, PatC, Brook Lopez (S&T full MLE contract, 3rd year non guaranteed)
MIL gets: Holiday, Porzingis

Why? Bring back Giannis' friend in Holiday and also get Porzingis who reportedly he's got a relationship with. They convince him this gives him enough of a supporting cast to stick with MIL one more year.

GSW gives: nothing
GSW gets: Brook Lopez (S&T MLE contract, 3rd year non guaranteed), future BOS 2nd

Why? Get the big man they need for their rotation and pick up a 2nd for using their MLE via S&T instead of outright.

CHI gives: Patrick Williams, 2 future 2nds
CHI gets: Kyle Kuzma

Why? Shed some long term money since Kuzma has 2 years to 4 for Williams.

SAC gives: nothing
SAC gets: Portis (Huerter TPE) PatC (MLE), 2 future BOS 2nds, 2 future CHI 2nds

Why? Get two good fits for their MLE/TPE and get paid 2nds for it.

Milwaukee is an option I hadn’t thought of. Though they get off too cheaply here pretty handily imo. Boston’s tax issues just got way tougher not having JT and possibly JB next year but Milwaukee has traded off their future picks and might have Giannis jumping ship.

If they don’t handle this right they could be in the NBA hell for the better part of a decade and this at least gives them a fighting shot at avoiding that.

Edit:

Also curious while you are working these up if there is something to Van Vleet to Orlando, Jrue (+possibly Al s+t) to Houston. Say eg Orlando decides to really overpay FVV which to me makes a ton of sense for them then that should create all kinds of avenues for trades that don’t involve Pat Williams

Edit2: nvrmnd Orl isn’t one of the cap space teams. Still I could see either Detroit or Chicago being interested in him.

I see what you mean on MIL "getting off easy" here in the sense that it could stave off a Giannis trade request another year and there's so much embedded value in that. But someone could just as easily say we get off easy shedding $45M to go from the most expensive payroll in history for a team that could lose in the play in or not even make it to all the way below the tax without giving up any 1st round picks. It really is an obscene amount of money to shed without having to attach anything assets wise. On the general trade board I tweaked it a bit (Lopez to ATL so GSW don't have to renounce Kuminga, BRK taking a contract instead of SAC so they dont go into tax). In the end, I think every team just ends up in a better spot for the deal really. You can look at it as MIL "making out" but so are we IMO.

HOU is starved for offense. Can't see them doing a FVV for Jrue swap.

[165bows]

BOS gives: Holiday, Porzingis, 3 future 2nds
BOS gets: Patrick Williams

Why? Celtics shed $45.1M this which gets them all the way below the 2nd apron. Williams deal is long but he might be a good fit in a supporting role for them.

MIL gives: Kuzma, Portis, PatC, Brook Lopez (S&T full MLE contract, 3rd year non guaranteed)
MIL gets: Holiday, Porzingis

Why? Bring back Giannis' friend in Holiday and also get Porzingis who reportedly he's got a relationship with. They convince him this gives him enough of a supporting cast to stick with MIL one more year.

GSW gives: nothing
GSW gets: Brook Lopez (S&T MLE contract, 3rd year non guaranteed), future BOS 2nd

Why? Get the big man they need for their rotation and pick up a 2nd for using their MLE via S&T instead of outright.

CHI gives: Patrick Williams, 2 future 2nds
CHI gets: Kyle Kuzma

Why? Shed some long term money since Kuzma has 2 years to 4 for Williams.

SAC gives: nothing
SAC gets: Portis (Huerter TPE) PatC (MLE), 2 future BOS 2nds, 2 future CHI 2nds

Why? Get two good fits for their MLE/TPE and get paid 2nds for it.

Milwaukee is an option I hadn’t thought of. Though they get off too cheaply here pretty handily imo. Boston’s tax issues just got way tougher not having JT and possibly JB next year but Milwaukee has traded off their future picks and might have Giannis jumping ship.

If they don’t handle this right they could be in the NBA hell for the better part of a decade and this at least gives them a fighting shot at avoiding that.

Edit:

Also curious while you are working these up if there is something to Van Vleet to Orlando, Jrue (+possibly Al s+t) to Houston. Say eg Orlando decides to really overpay FVV which to me makes a ton of sense for them then that should create all kinds of avenues for trades that don’t involve Pat Williams

Edit2: nvrmnd Orl isn’t one of the cap space teams. Still I could see either Detroit or Chicago being interested in him.

I see what you mean on MIL "getting off easy" here in the sense that it could stave off a Giannis trade request another year and there's so much embedded value in that. But someone could just as easily say we get off easy shedding $45M to go from the most expensive payroll in history for a team that could lose in the play in or not even make it to all the way below the tax without giving up any 1st round picks. It really is an obscene amount of money to shed without having to attach anything assets wise. On the general trade board I tweaked it a bit (Lopez to ATL so GSW don't have to renounce Kuminga, BRK taking a contract instead of SAC so they dont go into tax). In the end, I think every team just ends up in a better spot for the deal really. You can look at it as MIL "making out" but so are we IMO.

HOU is starved for offense. Can't see them doing a FVV for Jrue swap.

Well MKE makes out two ways - getting competitive is layers to aid in keeping Giannis and just getting rid of a bunch of junk for guys that have a real ceiling.

Boston gets rid of good players they just can’t pay.

Edit: on FVV it’s possible he forces their hand by getting a fat offer from Det/CHI.

[Cricket23]

BOS gives: Holiday, Porzingis, 3 future 2nds
BOS gets: Patrick Williams

Why? Celtics shed $45.1M this which gets them all the way below the 2nd apron. Williams deal is long but he might be a good fit in a supporting role for them.

MIL gives: Kuzma, Portis, PatC, Brook Lopez (S&T full MLE contract, 3rd year non guaranteed)
MIL gets: Holiday, Porzingis

Why? Bring back Giannis' friend in Holiday and also get Porzingis who reportedly he's got a relationship with. They convince him this gives him enough of a supporting cast to stick with MIL one more year.

GSW gives: nothing
GSW gets: Brook Lopez (S&T MLE contract, 3rd year non guaranteed), future BOS 2nd

Why? Get the big man they need for their rotation and pick up a 2nd for using their MLE via S&T instead of outright.

CHI gives: Patrick Williams, 2 future 2nds
CHI gets: Kyle Kuzma

Why? Shed some long term money since Kuzma has 2 years to 4 for Williams.

SAC gives: nothing
SAC gets: Portis (Huerter TPE) PatC (MLE), 2 future BOS 2nds, 2 future CHI 2nds

Why? Get two good fits for their MLE/TPE and get paid 2nds for it.

One of these teams probably balks for one reason or another, but it's a good example of what some creative thinking can do and a reason to be optimistic. Atlanta also has some sizable exceptions.

[165bows]

What’s the total number they need to shed?

[brackdan70]

What’s the total number they need to shed?

About 24 million to get under the 2nd Apron in 25/26 and about 14 million to get under the tax in in 26/27. I think this assume keeping our picks and room for 1 vet min, and then filling roster with rookie minimum 2nd rounders or undrafted FA.

[165bows]

What’s the total number they need to shed?

About 24 million to get under the 2nd Apron in 25/26 and about 14 million to get under the tax in in 26/27. I think this assume keeping our picks and room for 1 vet min, and then filling roster with rookie minimum 2nd rounders or undrafted FA.

Spotrac says to get under the tax next year is 39.888.

So the other alternative is Jrue (32.4), Hauser (10) and Tillman (2.5) and just replacing them with 2nd rounders/vet min guys. Then figure if they do anything with KP later.

[Curmudgeon]

The projected luxury tax line for 2025-26 is $188M. Their projected salary for 2025-26 is $223.9M, not including cap holds. So they have to shed $36M to avoid paying luxury tax.

Horford, Kornet and Craig are not on the books for next year, so the $223.9M figure assumes they will be allowed to walk.

[Gant]

O'Connor: Brown, White have ‘massive' trade value if C's make a move

Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports joined Wednesday's Early Edition to discuss what a Brown or White trade could look like.

"I think it's massive. I do," O'Connor said of Brown's trade value. "Think about Houston, for example. If they wanted to reunite Ime Udoka with Jaylen Brown and they don't get Giannis Antetokounmpo. If the Houston Rockets on draft night come calling with the No. 10 pick, Fred Van Vleet's contract, which will only have one year left after his team option kicks in, and a bunch of other high-value future picks -- they have Suns future first-rounders among other teams as well -- if you're the Celtics, I would think you at least have to listen to that offer if Houston comes calling with that."

As for White, the do-it-all guard has already been the subject of trade rumors with the Golden State Warriors as a potential suitor. O'Connor sees such a move as a real possibility if the Warriors send C's president of basketball operations Brad Stevens a serious offer.

"If the Golden State Warriors, if they were to call up and offer a Mikal Bridges-esque package -- four first-round draft picks -- for Derrick White, you gotta listen," O'Connor said.

https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nba/boston-celtics/kevin-o-connor-jaylen-brown-derrick-white-trade-value-rockets-warriors/711031/

[yeleven11]

O'Connor: Brown, White have ‘massive' trade value if C's make a move

Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports joined Wednesday's Early Edition to discuss what a Brown or White trade could look like.

"I think it's massive. I do," O'Connor said of Brown's trade value. "Think about Houston, for example. If they wanted to reunite Ime Udoka with Jaylen Brown and they don't get Giannis Antetokounmpo. If the Houston Rockets on draft night come calling with the No. 10 pick, Fred Van Vleet's contract, which will only have one year left after his team option kicks in, and a bunch of other high-value future picks -- they have Suns future first-rounders among other teams as well -- if you're the Celtics, I would think you at least have to listen to that offer if Houston comes calling with that."

As for White, the do-it-all guard has already been the subject of trade rumors with the Golden State Warriors as a potential suitor. O'Connor sees such a move as a real possibility if the Warriors send C's president of basketball operations Brad Stevens a serious offer.

"If the Golden State Warriors, if they were to call up and offer a Mikal Bridges-esque package -- four first-round draft picks -- for Derrick White, you gotta listen," O'Connor said.

https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nba/boston-celtics/kevin-o-connor-jaylen-brown-derrick-white-trade-value-rockets-warriors/711031/

I really don’t get why people say celtics should listen to offers for derrick white if you get a heavy picks-based offer. When tatum comes back, we’re gonna be back trying to offer those same picks for a derrick white type player lol

[Curmudgeon]

I really don’t get why people say celtics should listen to offers for derrick white if you get a heavy picks-based offer. When tatum comes back, we’re gonna be back trying to offer those same picks for a derrick white type player lol

Exactly. And those types of players are very hard to find.

[brackdan70]

What’s the total number they need to shed?

About 24 million to get under the 2nd Apron in 25/26 and about 14 million to get under the tax in in 26/27. I think this assume keeping our picks and room for 1 vet min, and then filling roster with rookie minimum 2nd rounders or undrafted FA.

Spotrac says to get under the tax next year is 39.888.

So the other alternative is Jrue (32.4), Hauser (10) and Tillman (2.5) and just replacing them with 2nd rounders/vet min guys. Then figure if they do anything with KP later.

Yeah. I personally don’t think that’s realistic or in the cards to get below the tax next year. The 2nd Apron perhaps and then get under the tax in 26/27.