Blake Griffin (Photo : The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
The NBA trade rumors continue to murmur for the Boston Celtics as they continue to target superstars via trade.
While it's easy for "armchair GMs" to facilitate trade (especially with the ESPN Trade Machine and Real GM Trade Checker), the reality is that it's much more complicated, as Keith Smith of Real GM mentioned.
For those who ask for timeline on trades: good luck. Trades take a long time to come together. These are real people with real lives.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 24, 2016
However, complications won't stop "Trade Danny" and he continues to seek out the best deal that would propel his team to contender status. Smith actually showed clues that the Celtics, similar to the Lakers are not done. One sign is that no.3 overall pick Jaylen Brown, just like Brandon Ingram, hasn't signed a contract yet.
2 things that make you go hmmm: 1. Jaylen Brown still hasn't signed. Why not? Space is gone now w/ Zeller and Green. No reason to wait. — Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 23, 2016
2. Clippers are holding that 15th roster spot. They are close to the looming hard cap, but why not fill out the roster now?
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 23, 2016
In a recent post on the Real GM Forum, moderator Smitty (Keith Smith's username) revealed some of the latest rumors about the Boston Celtics.
"One source says that the dream is both Griffin and Westbrook, but that Boston recognizes that is highly unlikely," Smitty wrote. "This source continues to insist that one or both will be in green by the start of the year and probably by the end of July. Not sure how much I buy in to that timing."
A trade before the season would be difficult, but Smitty noted that the Clippers has already given their preferred trade package.
"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"
It's either Crowder or a Brooklyn pick for the Clippers but there is also the possibility of adding Rudy Gay of the Sacramento Kings who is good fit for the LA Clippers.
"In relation to the above, Sacramento is not currently in. If they get back in, Boston would like to tweak the deal to deliver LAC Rudy Gay, Amir Johnson and a 1st round pick (non-BRK) while Sacramento gets Terry Rozier and something else."
Doc Rivers is said to be high on Amir Johnson as the primary power forward replacement for Griffin, who could also play small-ball five. Gay could add the scoring at the small forward spot (or play small-ball four).
It was also mentioned that while Westbrook is a target, the Celtics are not very confident of their chances to re-sign him in free agency.
