Celts17Pride wrote:The Celtics have 5 rookies (Langford, Edwards, G. Williams, Green and Poirier), 2 G Leaguers that are capable of playing in the NBA (Fall, Waters) and possibly 3-5 rookies next year with first and second round picks in 2020.
There will be a Celtics trade this year, it's a given. It just doesn't have to include any of the Celtics Top 5 players of (Walker, Brown, Tatum, Hayward or Smart).
I actually think it is less likely they make significant deal because of what you are pointing out. From a cap management standpoint lets say this season stays to current form and Boston wins 55 games and reaches the Conference Finals. Easy decision to bring back Hayward and then maxing Tatum. That means you can go back into next year with your top 8 under contract
Walker/Brown/Hayward/Tatum/Theis
Smart/Kanter/R. Williams
Wannamaker is FA
Then Edwards/G.Williams/Ojeleye under contract that is 11 or your top 12.
Your going to want to keep all of these cheap NBA contracts around to fill out the those 13-15 roster spots especially if these are guys that are really 9-12 guys, guys that can play rotation mins.
While yes you have draft picks coming that is a position of strength not weakness and creates many more options at the draft and the offseason than it may at the deadline. I am looking through green tinted glasses at the moment but there is no reason not to.
I have little to no interest in trading Hayward or Walker at the moment. Ditto for Smart.
If you wouldn't trade Tatum or Brown for guys like Davis or Leonard safe to say they are not available for whatever else is on the market.
While I don't project the 3 headed monster of Theis/Kanter/R.Wililams to produce an All Star I think I am going to damn strapped to find an upgrade on the trade market for the combined salary of 11 mil dollars especially when that is essentially intact next year unless Kanter opts out.