The NBA trade rumors are erupting barely a month before the trade deadline and there seems to be no way that the Boston Celtics won't be involved.
Options are emerging with each and every day and one can imagine how the phones are smoking in the Celtics front office.
There are three big names that swirling around the trade rumor mill but they are far from the only targets. Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks, Hassan Whiteside of the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls. Should the Boston Celtics trade for one (or more) of these players? What should they offer?
The sentiment for Carmelo Anthony has definitely changed from last year. While Danny Ainge has talked about a scoring option for the Celtics, Isaiah Thomas seems to have emerged to fit the bill for now.
Still, acquiring Melo is an improvement and if the Boston Celtics can get him without sacrificing any of the Brooklyn Nets' picks, it something to consider. The possible offer for Carmelo Anthony according to the NY Post.
"According to a source, it's doubtful Boston would give up any of its Nets' first-rounders, but they can add their own less-desirable 2018 first-round pick, Crowder and expiring deals of Amir Johnson ($12 million) and Jonas Jerebko ($5 million). Knicks owner James Dolan probably would have to add a $3 million sweetener."
Aside from the discrepancy from the Celtics offer and the Knicks asking price (definitely a Nets' pick), there's also Carmelo Anthony's no-trade clause. Perhaps it's best to move on.
The Chicago Bulls are facing complicated issues with Rajon Rondo so it was quite surprising that Jimmy Butler's name was suddenly floated in trade rumors. Zach Lowe of ESPN had an explanation in his podcast (h/t Mass Live)
"I don't think there's much real happening with Jimmy Butler. My theory -- and you could speak to this too, Kevin (Arnovitz) -- I think they want to see if they can get the Nets pick from Boston. I think this is all just like, 'Let's throw it out and see if we get just Smart, Crowder, the Nets pick and if we can get that, then we're talking.' If we can't get that, then we're not talking. I think Jimmy Butler is gettable. ... I think Jimmy Butler is gettable, and it just has to be an absolutely monstrous offer, and we're gonna have this happen once every three months, like 'Nets pick? Nets pick? Nets pick?'"
It has to be an overpay for Boston as the Nets pick is currently no.1 as they are at the bottom of the standings. Is Butler worth all that? He would definitely help the Celtics, but who else could Boston get for that package?
If the rumors (also from a Zach Lowe podcast, as mentioned in a previous report) hold true, then the Celtics should pursue him rather than Butler. Pat Riley wants a draft pick and the Celts have the best chance to hold no.1. The Celtics should actually be answering calls and taking offers instead of the other way around.
Whiteside fits into what the Celtics need-a rim protector who can also grab rebounds. He should be the primary target.