Grantland’s Zach Lowe has published an insightful trade deadline primer, in which he references the Celtics interest in Nuggets PG Ty Lawson:
The more interesting questions surround Ty Lawson and Kenneth Faried. Denver isn’t shopping those guys, but Jusuf Nurkic is the only true untouchable on the roster, per several league sources who have dealt with the Nuggets. The sense around the league is that you could land Lawson or Faried with a Godfather offer. They are gettable. Boston and Denver have had exploratory talks about Lawson, per several sources.
Lawson and Faried are also due a lot of future money in a league in which contracts are shorter than ever. Lawson will earn $12.4 million next season and $13.2 million in 2016-17. He’s an outstanding offensive player, and his shooting has rebounded after an icy start to this season. His ankle doesn’t appear to be bothering him much anymore. He’s something like the ninth-, 10th-, or 11th-best point guard in the league — a super-fast dynamo who can get into the lane at will, draw fouls, and dish a ton of dimes.
Exactly what is an offer Denver can’t refuse? Are we talking Marcus Thornton’s expiring contract and one or two 1st round picks? Because I don’t see Ainge going any further than that.
Lowe elaborates:
The C’s have a thousand draft picks, two big trade exceptions, and a bushel of interesting young guys. It’s unclear how interested they really are, and dealing for Lawson now would bring the risk of a semi-unwanted playoff appearance. Boston will not include Marcus Smart in any Lawson deal.
I’m also not including Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk, James Young or Avery Bradley in any deal for Lawson.
I’m not opposed to bringing in a 3rd guard who would be the best offensive player in the backcourt, a la Goran Dragic. There will be enough minutes to share among Smart and Bradley.
Would you rather have Lawson for 2 years and $25 million or Dragic for 4 years and $80 million? Or neither?
It comes down to cost. Do we really want to move assets to enhance one of the stronger positions on this team?
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