Outsiders on the Celtics

[MagicBagley18]

Are you paying 1.25 for a dollar bill? Yes. But you can only play 5 guys and talent wins out at the end of the day.

The most valuable skill in the league is elite shot creation. Mitchell has that potential. He [and Tatum] would both improve their efficiencies immensely if they played with each other. Im also optimistic that the reduced offensive stress would cause his defensive effort to increase.

Trading an all-star and a solid starter for an all-nba caliber guy is a move I make every day.

That's fair and I see your reasoning. I would just personally rather have Tatum and Brown, two all star caliber wings, than Tatum and Mitchell at the 1 or 2. Just my preference for team building in having an elite wing duo.

I just think Brown is a lot more versatile than Mitchell is and having Kemba, Mitchell, Tatum doesn't provide the same versatility as they currently have. I think there is value in a guy like Brown who doesn't need all the touches to score 20 PPG efficiently.

I feel like the reason the Celtics are so good currently is because of their switchable guys and Smart coming in as 1st team all defense able to switch 1 through 4 basically and do all the dirty work.

Definitely see what your reasoning would be though. Mitchell is a stud and Ainge wanted to find a way to move into the first round to pick him. I just question if he would trade Smart and Brown away since that's very clearly a loss for Boston immediately.

I think Jaylens versatility is overstated. Hes a good defender but not the great one his reputation suggests. He gives too inconsistent an effort and isnt natural on that end— he clearly is thinking out there and will get burned at times. He’s not a stopper as he’s often portrayed.

And I’m worried his points are possibly reflective of shooting variance— he’s shooting a career best in 4 of his 5 shooting rangers and its reasonable to expect some regression next year.

Agreed. Good defender not great like people talk about here. Nearing year 5 now and he still falls for every ball fake under the sun and picks up dumb fouls bc of it.

[Feed Your Head]

Good luck trying to defend both Tatum and Mitchell in crunch time. I love Smart, and Jaylen can be a really good player.....but I'd make that move for sure.

Kemba would have no problem taking a backseat to those two, and Hayward is the perfect 4th option with that kind of lineup.

[Parliament10]

Good luck trying to defend both Tatum and Mitchell in crunch time. I love Smart, and Jaylen can be a really good player.....but I'd make that move for sure.

Kemba would have no problem taking a backseat to those two, and Hayward is the perfect 4th option with that kind of lineup.

Yeah. But who would you have to back them up?
Smart is our Swiss-Army-Knife. You need more than just the 5 Starters to win a Championship.

[themoneyteam2]

I don’t disagree I’d take Mitchell over Brown for the future but trading Smart for him too is a massive overpay.

Regardless, would be surprised if Ainge traded Brown and Smart for Mitchell so doesn’t matter lol

[MagicBagley18]

Unfortunately zero chance Mitchell gets moved but it’s fun to talk about and at least good moving forward that Tatum has cache amongst his peers- that’s a positive down the line.

[threrf23]

Good luck trying to defend both Tatum and Mitchell in crunch time.

Would it really be that different from trying to defend Mitchell and Semi Ojeleye? Just let Mitchell shoot and he'll shoot, Tatum is out of the equation either way.

That's an exaggeration, but I'm not as bullish on Mitchell. Poor man's Russ Westbrook, IMO.

[MagicBagley18]

I could see Oladipo possibly available, Gobert, possibly Myles turner. Those are names this summer I could see. no one major and no one that really interests Celtics. Oladipo last year of contract curious to see how pacers handle him w his injuries and knowing he’ll want max.

KAT demanding out is stalled for a while bc they got dlo to pair w him. Beal really may be the biggest one available in the next 18 months but u never know. I thought harden may be available early this year but not so sure now and again not sure celts interest....just kind of doing a state of league address. Also booker will be demanding out within 24 months IMO.

Obviously no game changers. Unlesssss giannis says he’s not signing an extension (which I doubt) then things really change.

[SmartWentCrazy]

Unfortunately zero chance Mitchell gets moved but it’s fun to talk about and at least good moving forward that Tatum has cache amongst his peers- that’s a positive down the line.

Cap dropping potentially 20-30M changes things. Mitchell can credibly bluff for a long term deal— QO is 16M, 25% of 90M cap is 22.5M. He can force things if he wants.

[SmartWentCrazy]

Good luck trying to defend both Tatum and Mitchell in crunch time.

Would it really be that different from trying to defend Mitchell and Semi Ojeleye? Just let Mitchell shoot and he'll shoot, Tatum is out of the equation either way.

That's an exaggeration, but I'm not as bullish on Mitchell. Poor man's Russ Westbrook, IMO.

I mean, his second best offensive player was Joe Ingles— him shooting was always the best option. Completely different worlds compared to here.

[MagicBagley18]

Unfortunately zero chance Mitchell gets moved but it’s fun to talk about and at least good moving forward that Tatum has cache amongst his peers- that’s a positive down the line.

Cap dropping potentially 20-30M changes things. Mitchell can credibly bluff for a long term deal— QO is 16M, 25% of 90M cap is 22.5M. He can force things if he wants.

He can but if he does I don’t see the Jazz not paying him. He seems like a good locker room guy and he is a rising star which for Utah is even harder to find than it is for us in Boston

[MagicBagley18]

Unfortunately zero chance Mitchell gets moved but it’s fun to talk about and at least good moving forward that Tatum has cache amongst his peers- that’s a positive down the line.

Cap dropping potentially 20-30M changes things. Mitchell can credibly bluff for a long term deal— QO is 16M, 25% of 90M cap is 22.5M. He can force things if he wants.

Totally bat **** crazy hypothetical for you.....giannis says he’s not re-signing or going to sign the extension and he’s now available, u trading Tatum for him?

[SmartWentCrazy]

Unfortunately zero chance Mitchell gets moved but it’s fun to talk about and at least good moving forward that Tatum has cache amongst his peers- that’s a positive down the line.

Cap dropping potentially 20-30M changes things. Mitchell can credibly bluff for a long term deal— QO is 16M, 25% of 90M cap is 22.5M. He can force things if he wants.

Totally bat **** crazy hypothetical for you.....giannis says he’s not re-signing or going to sign the extension and he’s now available, u trading Tatum for him?

Head says yes, heart says no.

[SmartWentCrazy]

Unfortunately zero chance Mitchell gets moved but it’s fun to talk about and at least good moving forward that Tatum has cache amongst his peers- that’s a positive down the line.

Cap dropping potentially 20-30M changes things. Mitchell can credibly bluff for a long term deal— QO is 16M, 25% of 90M cap is 22.5M. He can force things if he wants.

He can but if he does I don’t see the Jazz not paying him. He seems like a good locker room guy and he is a rising star which for Utah is even harder to find than it is for us in Boston

I see them offering it, but I wonder how strong the riff is with Gobert and how much he’d try to force the issue. He could really cause a stink and credibly say he wont resign and only will take QO and really press the screws on management if he wanted to.

[MagicBagley18]

Cap dropping potentially 20-30M changes things. Mitchell can credibly bluff for a long term deal— QO is 16M, 25% of 90M cap is 22.5M. He can force things if he wants.

Totally bat **** crazy hypothetical for you.....giannis says he’s not re-signing or going to sign the extension and he’s now available, u trading Tatum for him?

Head says yes, heart says no.

Exactly how I feel. Only 3 guys you don’t slam the phone down on the other for when they ask ab Tatum....giannis Luka and Zion

[themoneyteam2]

Totally bat **** crazy hypothetical for you.....giannis says he’s not re-signing or going to sign the extension and he’s now available, u trading Tatum for him?

Head says yes, heart says no.

Exactly how I feel. Only 3 guys you don’t slam the phone down on the other for when they ask ab Tatum....giannis Luka and Zion

I wouldn’t even entertain Zion for Tatum honestly

[MagicBagley18]

Head says yes, heart says no.

Exactly how I feel. Only 3 guys you don’t slam the phone down on the other for when they ask ab Tatum....giannis Luka and Zion

I wouldn’t even entertain Zion for Tatum honestly

I like Tatums game better myself but it’s def close enough to where you think ab it. Anyone else besides those 3 it’s an immediate hang up right now

[24istheLAW]

Exactly how I feel. Only 3 guys you don’t slam the phone down on the other for when they ask ab Tatum....giannis Luka and Zion

I wouldn’t even entertain Zion for Tatum honestly

I like Tatums game better myself but it’s def close enough to where you think ab it. Anyone else besides those 3 it’s an immediate hang up right now

Zion has a greater upside than Tatum. He's like Giannis in that he makes basketball so easy. He doesn't have to "go off", attempt any difficult fadeaways, whatever. He makes simple plays in the flow of the game, and you look up and he's got 20 points.

Beyond not having health issues, the edge Tatum has on Zion is that he's shown great ability to play with his teammates. He's got the help defense thing figured out and he's a big plus on that side. He doesn't NEED the ball. He can light it up from behind the arc. He's quickly becoming adept at passing out of double teams.

So even if Zion is the better #1 guy, but you know you're going to need two guys, maybe it's better to hold onto the guy who you believe can be 1A or 1B?

[Taget]

Cap dropping potentially 20-30M changes things. Mitchell can credibly bluff for a long term deal— QO is 16M, 25% of 90M cap is 22.5M. He can force things if he wants.

Totally bat **** crazy hypothetical for you.....giannis says he’s not re-signing or going to sign the extension and he’s now available, u trading Tatum for him?

Head says yes, heart says no.

That's how I felt when we traded Al Jefferson for Kevin Garnett. And thank goodness my head told my heart to shutup and enjoy the championship.

[bucknersrevenge]

I could see Oladipo possibly available, Gobert, possibly Myles turner. Those are names this summer I could see. no one major and no one that really interests Celtics. Oladipo last year of contract curious to see how pacers handle him w his injuries and knowing he’ll want max.

KAT demanding out is stalled for a while bc they got dlo to pair w him. Beal really may be the biggest one available in the next 18 months but u never know. I thought harden may be available early this year but not so sure now and again not sure celts interest....just kind of doing a state of league address. Also booker will be demanding out within 24 months IMO.

Obviously no game changers. Unlesssss giannis says he’s not signing an extension (which I doubt) then things really change.

I actually think that this is the most logical option for the offseason after this one maybe for a few reasons:

1) After next season, Beal will have one more season and an option year left remaining on his deal. His pricetag jumps from just under 29 M to 34.5M during a time when the salary cap is destined to flatten. If they are not moving well toward being even peripheral title contenders (and I don't see any reason to think that they will be at that point), Beal could simply opt forcing Washington into a situation where they could lose a top flight asset in the prime of his career while simultaneously being a crappy team.

2) and Beal's not getting any younger. He turns 27 in a month. I'm sure he'd like to play in the playoffs again. You know he hears the talk about having to leave DC if he wants to play meaningful basketball. This next opportunity may be his last to do so while he can still be an impactful player.

3) Boston could absolutely put together a package centered around a young athletic wing like Jaylen, till pre-prime and potentially blocked by better players. After next season the BYC portion of Jaylen's contract ends which makes facilitating deals like this that much easier. If another one of our young prospects begins to emerge all the better for a deal (eg. Langford, TimeLord).

4) And you know Tatum would be all for it. I'm sure I don't need to tell anyone on this forum that both Beal and Tatum are from the same city, went to the same high school, and to call them "close friends" would be an understatement. Tatum has already bought into the organization I think but the acquisition of Beal would on a personal level, would cement Tatum's loyalty to Boston, virtually in blood. Not to mention being a little behind Hayward and Walker, as they relinquish more of the reigns, Tatum and Beal assume their natural positions. It makes sense.

[CelticsPride18]

We are no longer in a good position to trade for a star. I think Danny will try to keep our core 4 for the next few seasons and add pieces to compliment them through the draft and trades or signings. If Tatum can take another leap next season we can be serious contenders.