Would you've an interest in Kirilenko or G. Wallace?

[campybatman]

That is to say, would you've an interest in trading for either player if their name was out there prior to the trade deadline? I've read their name being on the block, or likely rumored, at one time or another.

I would like Kirilenko but his contract is for double digits. But, it's for a few years. While Wallace's contract is less annually, but is for more years. Still, the Millsap factor could affect Kirilenko's minutes whenever Boozer's healthy and returns. While Wallace's availability might be decided with what happens with Diaw.

The idea of acquiring either player to play small forward makes sense since they both can play defense. The question that has dogged them over the years is constant discussion of whether or not they can be more than a glorified role player. Especially, in the case of Kirilenko who's paid like an All-Star. I believe they're both viable starters but ideally you'll like to have a player like them off the bench. And defending multiple positions.

Kirilenko's length would be nice to have in reserve to put on LeBron as oppose to Tony when Pierce is sitting. Wallace could probably work too.

[cfan79]

I'd love to have Gerald Wallace in a Celtic Uni. He's the perfect small forward for our bench. But I doubt we are capable of getting him.

[Zin5]

Let me guess, this is a subtle 'Let's treat Ray Allen's asset as just a contract and trade him for a player that doesn't fit our needs as much' thread? Both would be great in green, but they're too expensive. We'd have to give up one of the big three or basically our entire bench+Perk to make it work financially.

[FederalePDT]

nope

[threrf23]

I like Kirilenko. I like Wallace, but I would take Kirilenko over him because I think he's the better all around player who is less of an injury risk.

If Utah is smart, my opinion is they'll try and trade Boozer for a center and begin using Okur as a back-up center and some off the bench offense. They might not be smart. But I still don't think they trade AK47. He is arguably their best player aside from Deron, and plays most of his minutes @ SF.

I also don't see how we have what it takes to land Wallace without making a trade I wouldn't consider as a good one, so I don't really have interest in this thread.

[Truthiracy]

Absolutely not, too expensive and I've never liked either one as a player.

[campybatman]

I'd love to have Gerald Wallace in a Celtic Uni. He's the perfect small forward for our bench. But I doubt we are capable of getting him.

I think Ainge would like him as well. However, the length of his contract can easily deter you if you're a team preparing for 2010. I believe Boston's one of those teams in some way.

Kirilenko is obviously the more unrealistic of the two. Still, you never know in the NBA. Some team would try to find room if they were convinced enough he could help them go further with what they already have.

[SonicYouth34]

Only Gerald, AK-47 is a cry baby and he'd be a wreck after getting yelled at by KG.

[BakersDozen]

both these guys would be bench players on our team getting paid star type money. im guessing one of Giddens/ Walker will be getting some time backing up Paul by mid season.

[campybatman]

Only Gerald, AK-47 is a cry baby and he'd be a wreck after getting yelled at by KG.

I found this...

You all heard about Kirilenko crying in front of reporters. He was upset about his declining minutes and shrinking role. There’s nothing wrong with crying in interviews. Just ask Kevin Garnett...

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba-blog/andre ... 45730.html



Interesting... Remember this article... Of course, this was thrown around prior to actually getting Garnett. So, Boston wasn't over the luxury tax then.

But there is someone out there the Celtics might be able to obtain, a former All-Star who would give them a dimension they don't have and might not have any objection to playing in Boston: Andrei Kirilenko of the Jazz.

Yes, Kirilenko is coming off a tough season and, yes, there have been health concerns. The tough season has led to some interesting comments out of Salt Lake City, from the owner to the coach. Jazz boss Larry Miller said he figured Kirilenko wasn't going anywhere because he'd be hard to deal after this season with $60-odd million due him the next four years. Then, after Kirilenko complained in the Russian media about the way he was handled this season, Utah coach Jerry Sloan told the Salt Lake Tribune, "He's got to come and play . . . the bottom line is, how much do you like to win?"

Sounds like a perfect match, eh?

Kirilenko is 26. He was an All-Star in 2004. He would give the Celtics something they lack -- a defensive presence and shot-blocker -- and you'd have to think the Jazz would at least entertain a proposal in which Boston surrendered the fifth pick, Theo Ratliff and his wonderful, expiring contract, and a couple young-uns. Boston might have to take back a bad contract (Matt Harpring or Derek Fisher) to make it balance, but not necessarily.

If the Celtics sent Gerald Green, West, the fifth pick, and Ratliff for Kirilenko and the 25th pick, it'd work. You could also insert Jefferson and Telfair into the mix instead of Green and West, but, again, I'd think long and hard about dealing Jefferson.

Why would Utah do it? Well, for starters, the Jazz would be happy to get rid of the Kirilenko contract, in part because they're already paying massive sums to Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur. There seems to be some concern as to whether Kirilenko and Sloan can coexist. Utah also has to re-sign Deron Williams in the next year or two and, given the way he's going, he's going to demand big bucks.

The Celtics would be absorbing a big contract, but not nearly as big as Garnett's or O'Neal's. They'd also avoid having to re-sign a pair of their kids, which would account for untold millions. The money would basically be a wash this season, and after next season, Wally Szczerbiak's money comes off the books. In other words, they could do it and still avoid the dreaded luxury tax.

And once they make that trade, I would do what I could to turn the 25th pick into former Boston College center Sean Williams (by moving up via another trade). With him and Kirilenko on board, the Celtics could amp up their defense considerably and not lose a whole lot of offense. And with Kirilenko in the East, he could be an All-Star once again.

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball ... z_them_up/

[Andrew McCeltic]

Cap numbers make both players unattainable without moving one of GPA. If Kirilenko were to get bought out (highly unlikely), he'd be a great addition to the bench, but he's one of those players like Diaw who seems capable of excelling as a focal point but struggles to play a smaller role.

[campybatman]

Yeah, he wouldn't get bought out. It's too early... Utah isn't Golden State... The Jazz will likely stick it out with Kirilenko or preferably trade him.

[cisco]

I love AK47's game. We would be unstoppable if we added him to our bench. Unfortunately, we don't have the assets to obtain him. I like Gerald Wallace, but the guy stays injured.

[MyInsatiableOne]

Let me guess, this is a subtle 'Let's treat Ray Allen's asset as just a contract and trade him for a player that doesn't fit our needs as much' thread? Both would be great in green, but they're too expensive. We'd have to give up one of the big three or basically our entire bench+Perk to make it work financially.

DING DING DING DING DING!!!

[Tricky Ricky]

Antoine Walker