Post#13 » by Downtown » Sat Mar 14, 2009 7:57 pm
I'm not so sure about that. From what I've read the Celtics are going to be above $72mil in salary for next season before they even begin to think about re-signing players. Plus there's the draft, where they'll have to sign their pick.
I think there's a few veteran power forwards who will be free agenst that would sign for the MLE just to have a chance at a championship. If a team like Memphis offered up a deal slightly above that, say averaging around $7mil, would Boston offer more if they knew they could get a veteran backup for 3 years for a contract of both less money and years tied up?
And doesn't it stand to reason that Powe might be more willing to sign a deal if he knew he could be a starter in the NBA?
Don't get me wrong, I know the Grizzlies first choice would be to draft a power forward to save money, plus Powe doesn't have the upside a Hill or Monroe would, but if they can't get a good one Powe would give them inside toughness, and playoff experience, which Memphis sorely lacks. From what I've seen of him he's a good backside help defender which could help out Gasol next season.
Heck, Boston may even go as far as a sign and trade straight across to get backup at both center and power forward with an expiring contract in Darko Milicic. They cover their backup at two positions for a short term deal.
Gasol should command more playing time next season and a cheaper veteran backup could be had for much less than Milicic.
I'm just throwing out random thoughts as you can tell. But just getting James Harden to make it a Mayo, Harden, Conley backcourt trio, with Powe and let's say a Joey Graham added to the mix up front, plus their other two draft picks, ups the talent level and toughness a fair bit and gives more and better depth.
@ 
guys.
