Blake Griffin (Photo : Harry How | Getty Images Sport)
The Boston Celtics trade targets have been narrowed down if the latest rumors hold true.
After evaluating the players presumably available via trade, there seems to be interest in two players.
DeMarcus Cousins is eliminated simply because the Sacramento Kings are determined to keep him. Despite the issues, the Kings are hopeful of their new coach, Dave Joerger formerly of the Memphis Grizzlies. The situation with the Kings and Cousins could definitely change but probably not before the season starts.
The Boston Celtics are simply low on Jahlil Okafor despite the obvious fit. As reported by Keith Pompey of Philly.com, the Celtics were concerned about Okafor's offcourt incidents especially since it happened in their city.
"They have concerns about his playing in the city after being involved in two street fights there in the early hours of Thanksgiving morning," Pompey said. "Nor do they like the fact that the center saw a gun pointed at his head in Old City and that he was stopped for going 108 mph over the Ben Franklin Bridge."
Thus, the main targets at this time are Russell Westbrook and Blake Griffin. Westbrook is the better overall performer (probably the best next to LeBron James) and it's not very often that a top 5 player is available for trade (the OKC Thunder was confirmed to have discussions).
However, in a revealing post from Keith Smith of Real GM (aka Smitty) posted in their forum that the latest Celtics rumors have the focus on Blake Griffin.
Smith brushed off Westbrook: "The Celtics would love to have him, but have no intention of gutting the team so much that they can't contend."
The Thunder wants to make sure that THEY contend and also ensure their future which is why they have their eye on the Brooklyn Nets pick swap in 2017 (or the unprotected pick in 2018).
On the other hand, according to Smith, the Blake Griffin negotiations have already progressed to a point where Doc Rivers already has a "wish list" from the Celtics.
In exchange for Blake Griffin and Paul Pierce, Clippers reportedly want:
"A. Amir Johnson, Jae Crowder, and John Holland and 1 1st round pick (not necessarily a BRK pick)
B. Amir Johnson, Jonas Jerebko, Jordan Mickey and John Holland and 1 BRK pick"
The deal is doable for the Celtics but the only caveat is that they still want to preserve their best deal for Westbrook. They still don't want to let go of the prospect of getting both Russ and Blake.
Once Danny Ainge makes up his mind, they can pull the trigger on this offer and Blake could be wearing Green at the start of next season.
