ddb wrote:See through the madness for a moment and it will soon make sense. This is what Ainge is doing...
-He wants to trade at least 2 of the Bass/Lee/Wallace contracts. In exchange he's looking for expirings and hopefully a pick or 2. Even 2nd rounders.
What we all need to understand is that trades do not happen over night. So what Ainge is doing is showcasing those players. Meanwhile, players across the league will start going down with injuries. Example #1 is Tyson Chandler going down last night for 4-6 weeks. Knicks suddenly become a potential trade Partner.
Ainge doesn't need to showcase Hump right now because he doesn't have any intentions of moving Hump right now. And teams will take Hump back either way because he's an expiring contract and useful player. So Hump doesn't need to play up his value the same way Bass/Lee and Wallace do.
Priority 1 is sending Bass/Lee and hopefully Wallace (although I suspect Wallace is stuck here unless they waive him or take back a bad contract)
-Priority 2 is developing young players while losing games. you want to compete, but lose. If that makes sense. this team is built to compete and then lose in the 4th quarter. That's what happens when you don't have a PG, shooters or a guy who can create and make big shots.
So have patience. Bass/Lee/Wallace need to go. At least 2 of them. Ainge wants to get a better handle on the cap situation.
Hump is a big time trade chip. So you keep him and wait for a potential blockbuster at the deadline OR if a team with injuries comes calling you can get a 1st round pick, filler and young player in exchange for Hump believe it or not. He has value.
My exact thoughts on Hump, and the rest really.
Bass is definitely a flip to a contender option - and those trades won't happen until the deadline.
Wallace could be, even with his deal, if he plays up to it.
Lee is tougher, not sure contenders would be lining up for him until a bunch of other options go first.
I think Danny's priorities at the deadline are:
1. Grab a disgruntled or otherwise available all-star as a key building block.
2. After #1 happens, or if it's clear it's not going to - jettison some longer term deals as above.
Hump is key to #1 - big, matching salary other teams wouldn't mind taking back. No need to play him to establish that. Then sweeten with picks, young player assets - you got a pretty good deal for the other team.
If that fails, Danny can go unload Bass\Wallace\Lee as possible.