With the NBA trade deadline right around the corner (Feb. 20), there has been much discussion about which players Danny Ainge and the Celtics should part with. I've heard some trade ideas which I think are downright ludicrous such as trading away Rondo and Sullinger for the sole purpose of losing games and getting a lottery pick. I've also heard some which make sense for freeing up some future money and roster spaces. Here are my thoughts regarding each Celtics' player.
Rajon Rondo- Barring the opportunity to trade for a franchise player who is signed beyond the 2014-2015 season, Rondo needs to stay a Celtic.
Gerald Wallace- If teams are interested in making a deal for Wallace, we definitely need to listen. He doesn't become a free agent until 2016 and makes about $10 million per year. Wallace isn't happy with the Celtics and really doesn't look like he'll be a part of the future team.
Jeff Green- Not sure about what I think about him. Never a consistent player, the Jeff Green we are currently seeing is a guy I'd like to see wearing the green in the future. Given the opportunity to get a nice pick and free up some future salary would probably be a gamble I'd be willing to take. The Hawks are rumored to be interested in Green, but may not have the chips required to make a deal.
Kris Humphries- Although I've become fond of Kris Humphries' play, I doubt he'll be part of the Celtics next season. He becomes a free agent this year and is making $12 million. Unless he is willing to sign an extension for a significant pay cut, we should definitely be willing to trade him.
Brandon Bass- Supposedly he is on the trading block and has several suitors including the Suns, Warriors, Bobcats and Thunder. A trade with Oklahoma could bring back former Celtic Kendrick Perkins. Although getting rid of Perk was a dumb move, getting him back at this point isn't likely to help out the Celtics in either the short term or long term unless multiple players are involved.
Joel Anthony- I'd assume a trade involving Joel Anthony would have to be some sort of package deal. Unless the package has us trading away a player I want to keep, Danny should sign away.
Keith Bogans- Bogans' current basketball situation is rather odd to say the least. If someone would like to entertain a trade, Ainge should be all ears.
Avery Bradley- Supposedly Ainge is only willing to trade Bradley if he gets a first round pick in return. I think that's a good way to go, but we really won't know until we see what happens this summer when Avery become a restricted free agent.
Vitor Faverani- May turn out to be an asset in the future. Signed for peanuts through 2016, we should probably keep him.
Jerryd Bayless- Probably won't be involved in any trades at this point since he becomes a free agent at the end of the season and isn't much of a rental player for any contenders.
Jared Sullinger- Keep regardless of what is being offered. Well, maybe a sign and trade for Durant or Lebron.
Kelly Olynyk- The Celtics better not even think about trading him. He's a great player who we have locked up at a great price for several years.
Chris Johnson- Another young player who is playing well for the Celtics. After having signing a pair of ten day contracts with the Celtics, Johnson inked a three year deal. Johnson can do a little bit of everything and should be a keeper for the Celtics moving forward. If a suitor comes knocking with a deal too good to pass up, then the Celtics should obviously give it a listen. The Celtics should try to retain Johnson's services.
Phil Pressey- Although I loved to root against Pressey when he played at Mizzou, I am happy with what he brings to the Celtics. Pressey plays well with the players I'd like the Celtics to keep and can give the team quality minutes when Rondo isn't available. If the Celtics do anything with Pressey's contract in the near future, I'd like to see it be an extension.
Gerald Wallace- If teams are interested in making a deal for Wallace, we definitely need to listen. He doesn't become a free agent until 2016 and makes about $10 million per year. Wallace isn't happy with the Celtics and really doesn't look like he'll be a part of the future team.
Jeff Green- Not sure about what I think about him. Never a consistent player, the Jeff Green we are currently seeing is a guy I'd like to see wearing the green in the future. Given the opportunity to get a nice pick and free up some future salary would probably be a gamble I'd be willing to take. The Hawks are rumored to be interested in Green, but may not have the chips required to make a deal.
Kris Humphries- Although I've become fond of Kris Humphries' play, I doubt he'll be part of the Celtics next season. He becomes a free agent this year and is making $12 million. Unless he is willing to sign an extension for a significant pay cut, we should definitely be willing to trade him.
Brandon Bass- Supposedly he is on the trading block and has several suitors including the Suns, Warriors, Bobcats and Thunder. A trade with Oklahoma could bring back former Celtic Kendrick Perkins. Although getting rid of Perk was a dumb move, getting him back at this point isn't likely to help out the Celtics in either the short term or long term unless multiple players are involved.
Joel Anthony- I'd assume a trade involving Joel Anthony would have to be some sort of package deal. Unless the package has us trading away a player I want to keep, Danny should sign away.
Keith Bogans- Bogans' current basketball situation is rather odd to say the least. If someone would like to entertain a trade, Ainge should be all ears.
Avery Bradley- Supposedly Ainge is only willing to trade Bradley if he gets a first round pick in return. I think that's a good way to go, but we really won't know until we see what happens this summer when Avery become a restricted free agent.
Vitor Faverani- May turn out to be an asset in the future. Signed for peanuts through 2016, we should probably keep him.
Jerryd Bayless- Probably won't be involved in any trades at this point since he becomes a free agent at the end of the season and isn't much of a rental player for any contenders.
Jared Sullinger- Keep regardless of what is being offered. Well, maybe a sign and trade for Durant or Lebron.
Kelly Olynyk- The Celtics better not even think about trading him. He's a great player who we have locked up at a great price for several years.
Chris Johnson- Another young player who is playing well for the Celtics. After having signing a pair of ten day contracts with the Celtics, Johnson inked a three year deal. Johnson can do a little bit of everything and should be a keeper for the Celtics moving forward. If a suitor comes knocking with a deal too good to pass up, then the Celtics should obviously give it a listen. The Celtics should try to retain Johnson's services.
Phil Pressey- Although I loved to root against Pressey when he played at Mizzou, I am happy with what he brings to the Celtics. Pressey plays well with the players I'd like the Celtics to keep and can give the team quality minutes when Rondo isn't available. If the Celtics do anything with Pressey's contract in the near future, I'd like to see it be an extension.
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