The Pursuit of Paul George

[truth18]

One thing that makes me think Paul George may be coming to the Celtics. The talking heads seem to be moving on with speculation that Westbrook will go to LA. Because everyone must always be going to NY or LA.

I don't think they are related. The talking heads are discussing that because of how Russell answered that question last night.

[PierceFan4ever]

Brown, Tatum, Hayward, George potentially all in one team. As much as it would suck to lose that Lakers pick I'm all for it if it meant George coming in because Boston really needs to get a star atleast out of one of these draft picks that we have. Getting Anthony Davis is unrealistic but keeping 3 of our picks and trading one for George would be a great move. Paul George slacked during the regular season but we all have seen what he can do in the playoffs, look at those Heat series, almost single handily beat the Raptors himself, and had a great series going toe to toe with Lebron. The Cavs would piss in there pants if the Celtics get both Hayward and George to go along with another heat of Smart and Brown getting better, a high lotto pick like Tatum part of the rotation and Lebron getting another year older. If we either push the Cavs to a hard fought 7 game series or lose to the Warriors in the finals, then it's very hard to see George leaving and joining a bad team and it's also hard to leave a coach like Brad Stevens, who has been raved about from any player that has been coached by him.

[165bows]

My sources are saying Zeller isn't ruling out another paycut to stick around for the super team

Bird. Stevens. Hayward. George. Zeller.

Indiana is the new Minnesota.

[Celts17Pride]

My sources are saying Zeller isn't ruling out another paycut to stick around for the super team

Well it really wouldn't be a superteam without Big Z.

[Gant]

Curious though about assets: if you are paying 50 million for SFs George and Hayward.....do we really need The 3 Jays? Crowder is probably gone. I think I'd rather lost Brown or Tatum before the Laker lottery pick only because they will rot on the bench. Plus they each represent about 7 million in salary which the future pick does not.

Golden State's Big 4 play about 33 minutes a game each.

Hayward and George could get their 33 each, IT 33, and Horford 30. Say Tatum gets the 17 Jaylen did last year.

That leaves 94 minutes for Brown, Smart, Zizic?, and everyone else. It's very doable. And that doesn't even take into account injuries and resting guys.

The only downside is there won't be any playing time for mediocre players. We'll have to live with that.

[djFan71]

Man, I was doing bad enough with my "break" during purgatory week, now Woj Bomb? Cripes...
I really wish the LAL pick wasn't in there, but if we get PG, I'll come to peace with it. I try to talk myself into the Lakers not being so bad next year, but, I just can't. They gonna suck unless Magic puls himself out in FA. If it rolls over to the SAC pick in 19, I'd feel much better about losing it. But, if it's #2 next year... ouch.

[SmartWentCrazy]

At work so I can't add too much, but have a third-hand source who told me the deal for PG is done. Will add details later.

Are you an insider Smart ? .

I'm not, and haven't once pretended elsewise in my 5,000+ posts.

I have a real good buddy who works with someone who "works in the front office for Ainge". My buddy says his froend at work showed him the texts that the deal was done, contingent on Hayward committing and Indy not getting cold feet.

Told me the offer. I personally love it. Some won't. General Board would prob trash both Ainge and Indy for it. Not gunna reveal specifics cuz too many media members lurk here and will quote it for an article.

[Crossy2008]

I know it's a common theme here, but I don't see why Bradley is as good as gone. I mean, he would have to take a discount, but it would still be a good deal. The Celtics could offer him a 4yr/$50mil deal. He'd be getting a brand new workout facility. One thing to remember is that the cap space available to sign free agents is going to get tight again. Last season was an abnormality. He may get a 4yr/$64mil deal from another team, but I don't think the market is going to price him much higher.

[Feed Your Head]

Avery is getting 20 million a year from someone. His defensive reputation, his offensive growth, he's still young, and is known as one of the best locker room guys in the league.

I love him, but it makes sense for him to be in the package.

[ConstableGeneva]

I know it's a common theme here, but I don't see why Bradley is as good as gone. I mean, he would have to take a discount, but it would still be a good deal. The Celtics could offer him a 4yr/$50mil deal. He'd be getting a brand new workout facility. One thing to remember is that the cap space available to sign free agents is going to get tight again. Last season was an abnormality. He may get a 4yr/$64mil deal from another team, but I don't think the market is going to price him much higher.

It's not about his next contract. We need to clear enough cap space if we're signing Hayward straight up. We also need enough salary to send back in a trade for George. Bradley and Zeller are among the ones to go since their salaries are the highest.

[Afam]

At work so I can't add too much, but have a third-hand source who told me the deal for PG is done. Will add details later.

Are you an insider Smart ? .

I'm not, and haven't once pretended elsewise in my 5,000+ posts.

I have a real good buddy who works with someone who "works in the front office for Ainge". My buddy says his froend at work showed him the texts that the deal was done, contingent on Hayward committing and Indy not getting cold feet.

Told me the offer. I personally love it. Some won't. General Board would prob trash both Ainge and Indy for it. Not gunna reveal specifics cuz too many media members lurk here and will quote it for an article.

I see. Thanks for the info.

[Andrew McCeltic]

Read on Twitter

Don't we have any f*cking loyalty? At least trade him somewhere else for cap reasons - NOP for a 1st? - and then get George.

[ConstableGeneva]

22 posts to 200 with 5 pages to go. Doable.

[tombattor]

I know it's a common theme here, but I don't see why Bradley is as good as gone. I mean, he would have to take a discount, but it would still be a good deal. The Celtics could offer him a 4yr/$50mil deal. He'd be getting a brand new workout facility. One thing to remember is that the cap space available to sign free agents is going to get tight again. Last season was an abnormality. He may get a 4yr/$64mil deal from another team, but I don't think the market is going to price him much higher.

I think he's played himself to a huge payday. The ownership could choose to give everyone a big raise and pay the luxury tax, but this is probably Bradley's one chance for a huge contract so it's not likely he'll take a huge pay cut to stay in Boston. And we have good depth at his opposition, so it seems to make sense.

[Slartibartfast]

That Pistons team was a point away from being back to back champions and could have added Wade, Bosh, or Melo so I'm cool with that.

Yeah, I'm not saying it won't be successful - right there with Cleveland and SAS for best shot if GSW falters. Just disappointed I'm not more excited.

Imagine the 2008 team only if we had traded Pierce for Chauncey and Prince.

Chauncey/Ray/Prince/KG/Perk is a pretty studly team, but wouldn't it have felt a little cheaper without Pierce?

[watsonthedragon]

At work so I can't add too much, but have a third-hand source who told me the deal for PG is done. Will add details later.

Are you an insider Smart ? .

I'm not, and haven't once pretended elsewise in my 5,000+ posts.

I have a real good buddy who works with someone who "works in the front office for Ainge". My buddy says his froend at work showed him the texts that the deal was done, contingent on Hayward committing and Indy not getting cold feet.

Told me the offer. I personally love it. Some won't. General Board would prob trash both Ainge and Indy for it. Not gunna reveal specifics cuz too many media members lurk here and will quote it for an article.

Anyway you can say if it is or isn't drastically different from what's being reported (LA/Sac, Jae, AB)? If not, no problem.

[Feed Your Head]

I believe in you CK!

[The Corey's]

I'm fine danny trading either the laker or brooklyn pick as long as their are protections on it.

I doubt he's send them unprotected but I also didn't think a chance in he'll he's trade number 1.

[Green_teamer]

Is there anything stopping us from using Zeller in a Paul George deal before we sign Hayward?

[tombattor]

Read on Twitter

Don't we have any f*cking loyalty? At least trade him somewhere else for cap reasons - NOP for a 1st? - and then get George.

Why?