Darth Celtic wrote:jason bourne wrote:Celtics seemed to have the best package in young players and picks with Brown, Rozier, salary dump and pick(s) for Leonard. However, I'm hearing Ainge may go for a straight swap of Kyrie Irving (player option for 2019-20) for Leonard. The latter seems like a better move for the Celtics.
Hearing from where? The voices in your head. Take your medicine.
Agreed, Darth. It ain't happening - that is, Kyrie straight up for Kawhi. I do believe that under normal circumstances Ainge and Brett Brown (Brett Brown even more than Ainge because he was one of Kawhi's coaches at San Antonio) could convince him to play for our teams. But Kawhi - through his handlers - can't seem to find his way to the little boy's room. I wouldn't trust anything he says.
For the Celtics to make the trade with your current payroll, you have to give up Jaylen Brown. I wouldn't! We would have to give up Robert Covington.
If I were the Lakers, I would offer Ingram, Kuzma, Deng and a future protected pick, perhaps Hart instead, for Kawhi and Patty Mills. Or (and I have no idea how to make the numbers work exactly) switch Pau Gasol for Mills. That minimizes Deng's poison pill and gives the Spurs assets.
None of us know if Kawhi can play. At least this way he'll go to the team where he or his handlers (we don't even know) have declared fealty.