What now?

[MaxwellSmart]

So I just heard that with Westbrook refusing to sign an extension with OKC, the Celtics (among others) are pursuing a trade. But Boston isn't willing to give up all that much without a guarantee Westbrook will sign in Boston long term. The deal would apparently be centered around Jaylen Brown, the Nets picks and other young guys (Rozier, Hunter, Mickey, Young, etc.).

Here is the thing, the Celtics want it done in the next couple of days, so they can do what they need before Johnson and Jerebko become fully guaranteed. And neither of those guys is very willing to move back their date again.

The word is that Boston is also pursuing Jimmy Butler again, but the Bulls have no intention of trading him. The Bulls are telling everyone they are building around Butler.

Westbrook would be stupid to say NO to the C's extension---he aint getting out of the West playing for The Lakers now...Cash in our chips Danny---Westbrook is better than Butler or Cousins...move IT to shooting guard if you have to.

[Smitty731]

So I just heard that with Westbrook refusing to sign an extension with OKC, the Celtics (among others) are pursuing a trade. But Boston isn't willing to give up all that much without a guarantee Westbrook will sign in Boston long term. The deal would apparently be centered around Jaylen Brown, the Nets picks and other young guys (Rozier, Hunter, Mickey, Young, etc.).

Here is the thing, the Celtics want it done in the next couple of days, so they can do what they need before Johnson and Jerebko become fully guaranteed. And neither of those guys is very willing to move back their date again.

The word is that Boston is also pursuing Jimmy Butler again, but the Bulls have no intention of trading him. The Bulls are telling everyone they are building around Butler.

Russell Westbrook should just sign an extension with the Celtics. We are going to give him the Max, and it becomes his team. No need to go running to the Lakers. Boston is as big of a Market than LA, and has more championships too.

Boston isn't anywhere near as big of a market as LA. Boston is several tiers behind LA as far as market size goes. But that doesn't really matter here. Markets aren't what they were, especially for stars. Durant and Westbrook became superstars in one of the smallest markets in the entire league.

[seanz25]

At least we're being smart in trying to secure Westbrook for the long term if we're giving up tons, not that keen on giving up all of our picks and more though.

If he was locked up, I'd give up all those picks and not even worry about it. Westbrook is a top 5 to 10 player in the league. You jump if you get the chance.

This is true, so the deal comes down to Danny and the Celtics putting faith that Russel doesn't screw us over come contract renewal next season if a deal was to possibly go through in the next few days?

Also Smitty off-topic, as I've said earlier long time lurker, first time poster, thanks for your awesome updates man, especially over the past 36 hours with all that Durant fun hahah.

[Celts17Pride]

So I just heard that with Westbrook refusing to sign an extension with OKC, the Celtics (among others) are pursuing a trade. But Boston isn't willing to give up all that much without a guarantee Westbrook will sign in Boston long term. The deal would apparently be centered around Jaylen Brown, the Nets picks and other young guys (Rozier, Hunter, Mickey, Young, etc.).

Here is the thing, the Celtics want it done in the next couple of days, so they can do what they need before Johnson and Jerebko become fully guaranteed. And neither of those guys is very willing to move back their date again.

The word is that Boston is also pursuing Jimmy Butler again, but the Bulls have no intention of trading him. The Bulls are telling everyone they are building around Butler.

Russell Westbrook should just sign an extension with the Celtics. We are going to give him the Max, and it becomes his team. No need to go running to the Lakers. Boston is as big of a Market than LA, and has more championships too.

Boston isn't anywhere near as big of a market as LA. Boston is several tiers behind LA as far as market size goes. But that doesn't really matter here. Markets aren't what they were, especially for stars. Durant and Westbrook became superstars in one of the smallest markets in the entire league.

Why would Ainge trade all those assets knowing Westbrook would leave after 1 year. I read Westbrook said he isn't signing an extension with anyone.

[Green89]

Danny has to risk it with Westbrook. He should want to stay after a year with us.

[Afam]

So I just heard that with Westbrook refusing to sign an extension with OKC, the Celtics (among others) are pursuing a trade. But Boston isn't willing to give up all that much without a guarantee Westbrook will sign in Boston long term. The deal would apparently be centered around Jaylen Brown, the Nets picks and other young guys (Rozier, Hunter, Mickey, Young, etc.).

Here is the thing, the Celtics want it done in the next couple of days, so they can do what they need before Johnson and Jerebko become fully guaranteed. And neither of those guys is very willing to move back their date again.

The word is that Boston is also pursuing Jimmy Butler again, but the Bulls have no intention of trading him. The Bulls are telling everyone they are building around Butler.

Russell Westbrook should just sign an extension with the Celtics. We are going to give him the Max, and it becomes his team. No need to go running to the Lakers. Boston is as big of a Market than LA, and has more championships too.

Boston isn't anywhere near as big of a market as LA. Boston is several tiers behind LA as far as market size goes. But that doesn't really matter here. Markets aren't what they were, especially for stars. Durant and Westbrook became superstars in one of the smallest markets in the entire league.

I meant to say Boston is a Big market city and not a small one. He doesn't have to worry about losing a lot of money in endorsements. Do you know what is being offered by the Celtics ?

[Smitty731]

At least we're being smart in trying to secure Westbrook for the long term if we're giving up tons, not that keen on giving up all of our picks and more though.

If he was locked up, I'd give up all those picks and not even worry about it. Westbrook is a top 5 to 10 player in the league. You jump if you get the chance.

This is true, so the deal comes down to Danny and the Celtics putting faith that Russel doesn't screw us over come contract renewal next season if a deal was to possibly go through in the next few days?

Also Smitty off-topic, as I've said earlier long time lurker, first time poster, thanks for your awesome updates man, especially over the past 36 hours with all that Durant fun hahah.

Thanks for the kind words man. That whole thing was crazy. Exact definition of fluid situation. For what it is worth, I heard from a TON of people that Boston made an incredible impression. And Durant shared that openly around the league. The things I heard more than any were:

1. Players LOVE Stevens. A lot of guys said he's as good as Pop, but less of a dick. Many guys want him to take over Team USA when Coach K gives it up. To the point guys are already asking him.

2. Guys around the league love that Ainge will go for it and doesn't care. He'll go all in.

3. Multiple players here in Orlando (tons of vets swing through that live in the area) said that Boston played harder and smarter than any team they played last year. And they all commented on hungry the guys are and how much of a chip on their shoulder they have. Many guys said the Celtics are full of a bunch of "mother-f*ckers" and that is a huge compliment.

4. None of them get how they are already good, picked at #3 this year and have the Nets next two picks too. They understood it but more than a few guys said "Ainge is a damn wizard. That is some wizard sh*t."

I know it hurts not getting the guy we wanted, but things are in better shape in Boston than I can remember since the 1980s. And that includes the PP, KG and Ray years because we all knew that was a short window.

The league gets it and see it. It didn't happen this time, but it will happen. Horford signing was huge already.

[Tyakack]

At this point getting westbrook would be even more sweet than usual. Let him become the legend durant could have been.

[Smitty731]

Russell Westbrook should just sign an extension with the Celtics. We are going to give him the Max, and it becomes his team. No need to go running to the Lakers. Boston is as big of a Market than LA, and has more championships too.

Boston isn't anywhere near as big of a market as LA. Boston is several tiers behind LA as far as market size goes. But that doesn't really matter here. Markets aren't what they were, especially for stars. Durant and Westbrook became superstars in one of the smallest markets in the entire league.

I meant to say Boston is a Big market city and not a small one. He doesn't have to worry about losing a lot of money in endorsements. Do you know what is being offered by the Celtics ?

Picks and players is all that is being said. I'm sure it is just about anything to be honest. Other than Horford (who isn't even tradeable or even actually signed yet), Ainge hasn't taken anything off the table.

[Afam]

Boston isn't anywhere near as big of a market as LA. Boston is several tiers behind LA as far as market size goes. But that doesn't really matter here. Markets aren't what they were, especially for stars. Durant and Westbrook became superstars in one of the smallest markets in the entire league.

I meant to say Boston is a Big market city and not a small one. He doesn't have to worry about losing a lot of money in endorsements. Do you know what is being offered by the Celtics ?

Picks and players is all that is being said. I'm sure it is just about anything to be honest. Other than Horford (who isn't even tradeable or even actually signed yet), Ainge hasn't taken anything off the table.

Thanks Smitty. What's making Russell Hesitant in coming to the Celtics ? . This is going to be his team ,and he is not winning with the Lakers. The West is too stacked now especially with Durant signing with the Warriors.

[Smitty731]

I meant to say Boston is a Big market city and not a small one. He doesn't have to worry about losing a lot of money in endorsements. Do you know what is being offered by the Celtics ?

Picks and players is all that is being said. I'm sure it is just about anything to be honest. Other than Horford (who isn't even tradeable or even actually signed yet), Ainge hasn't taken anything off the table.

Thanks Smitty. What's making Russell Hesitant in coming to the Celtics ? . This is going to be his team ,and he is not winning with the Lakers. The West is too stacked now especially with Durant signing with the Warriors.

It isn't that he's hesitant from what is being said. He just wont' commit to anything beyond this year. He doesn't have anything against Boston.

[Afam]

So it looks if Russell Westbrook agrees to an Extension, the deal would get done ?

[Afam]

Picks and players is all that is being said. I'm sure it is just about anything to be honest. Other than Horford (who isn't even tradeable or even actually signed yet), Ainge hasn't taken anything off the table.

Thanks Smitty. What's making Russell Hesitant in coming to the Celtics ? . This is going to be his team ,and he is not winning with the Lakers. The West is too stacked now especially with Durant signing with the Warriors.

It isn't that he's hesitant from what is being said. He just wont' commit to anything beyond this year. He doesn't have anything against Boston.

Is he at least open to coming to the Celtics and see if he likes it ?

[Marvel]

Yo, Smitty on top of thangs in here. I been missing out.

[truth18]

Past two days feel like a blur with Durant and being massively hungover. Just sat down to have a drink in Cambridge and it's all really hitting me.

[MaxwellSmart]

Anyone going to the Vegas SL---?...I'll be there next Wed.

[Smitty731]

Anyone going to the Vegas SL---?...I'll be there next Wed.

I'll be there. Getting in town on Sunday and there through Thursday. If you have Twitter, hit me up on there and we can say hey.

[Smitty731]

Thanks Smitty. What's making Russell Hesitant in coming to the Celtics ? . This is going to be his team ,and he is not winning with the Lakers. The West is too stacked now especially with Durant signing with the Warriors.

It isn't that he's hesitant from what is being said. He just wont' commit to anything beyond this year. He doesn't have anything against Boston.

Is he at least open to coming to the Celtics and see if he likes it ?

Sorry I missed this. No sense of what Westbrook is willing to do.

[Afam]

So unfortunate that Both sides couldn't agree to a deal. Westbrook would elevate the Celtics into championship contenders.

[Smitty731]

News that Wade is really strongly considering Milwaukee. He's had it with Miami apparently and feels insulted. This would impact Boston as they can up their pursuit of Middleton again.