The Rondo Show wrote:Well, if the Cavs put #1 on the table, there's no question the Celtics and all other teams are out of the Love sweepstakes.
Yeah, that's essentially what I think will be the case.
The Rondo Show wrote:I tend to think that's only realistic if they get word from LeBron that he will re-sign if they deal the #1 pick for Love.
Oh well, that would make a deal based on #1 for Love a no-brainer. Getting the best player in the league, while putting someone like Love at PF to accompany him? They must be incredible unlucky to not be contending for the championship ...
The Rondo Show wrote:There's a pretty huge difference between giving up the mediocre protected pick(s) that the Cavs gave up for Luol Deng and giving up a player like Embiid, Wiggins or Parker.
Yes, there is. Not denying that. But my point was that they are willing to give up future assets for unsigned players. And Deng in that case can also be used as some sort of assurance, if James is not willing to sign. Even a team with Love and Deng would be competitive enough.
The Rondo Show wrote:I'm talking more about Celtics offer compared to other non-Cavs type teams that we've heard linked like GSW/CHI/LAL/PHX/etc.
I agree with the Warriors, Lakers and Suns, but if the Bulls put out Mirotic (and he expressed the willingness of coming to the Timberwolves for a reasonable price next season), as well as adding in: #16, #19, Kings 2015, own future pick as well as being able to absorb an unwanted contract via the unguaranteed salary of James, Amundson and Brewer? And there is the possibility that the Bulls can exchange the #16 (or even #19) combined with the 2015 Cavs pick for the #8. We then have a #4 to #6 like talent in Mirotic plus the rest, which seems to be better than the other offers.
The Rondo Show wrote:As for the TE, I could see them taking on Kevin Martin but that's about it. I consider #6/#17/Sullinger/BKN unprotected 16/expirings to be a pretty hefty offer. Celtics will want the TE to help put talent around Love/Rondo. Martin might work since he's a good player and good fit next to Rondo. Don't think too many others fit for the Celtics.
Martin would fit as a player for the Celtics, but he also would put even more pressure on the Celtics given the contract situation. Then we have the contract of Wallace on the payroll ... If you just want to use Bass+Sullinger to take on Love, there would be Green as well ... Rondo-Martin-Green-Love-no center with Bradley (who I think should be brought back, and the Celtics have great chance seeing that he is RFA), Wallace plus ??? If that does not work out, the Celtics are left with $26.4m salary for Green, Wallace and Martin in 2015, with Rondo's and Love's caphit essentially leaving no room under the salary cap. The only way to improve would be the room-exception. So, basically stuck with that team. If that team misses the playoffs, Love is very likely gone. And to be honest, despite Love's strength (and I value him usually higher than the average fan does), I can only see the Celtics sneaking barely into the playoffs with that team while losing clearly in the first round.