With the trade deadline fast approaching, we can expect a significant increase in the number of Celtics trade rumors. As always, we’ll do our best to bring them all to you.
Grantland’s Zach Lowe throws out a new name – Dion Waiters:
Dion Waiters falls at the intersection of all this. Warts and all, the guy has obvious NBA skills, and smart “buy low” talent evaluators recognize that. Boston has kicked around almost every intriguing “buy low” piece in the league, especially guys on rookie deals. The Celtics have an appetite for low-cost risk on high-upside talent, even talent with “attitude” issues, but Waiters might be too far down the road for Boston at this point. But if the Cavs can find a decent future first-rounder for Waiters, they have to think about it.
A report earlier this month gives details on why “Waiters might be too far down the road for Boston:”
One league source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Waiters was removed from practice recently, per the Daily News report. But Waiters’ minutes weren’t affected by the move, which left at least a handful of players raising their eyebrows — particularly within an organization that has preached accountability since Brown’s arrival.
“That’s Dion. He’s been like that since he got here. He doesn’t think anything is his fault,” one team source said. “He’s actually better about it this year than he was last year.”
Yikes. Not sure I want that type of attitude in Boston, especially if it comes at the expense of Avery Bradley. I’m not saying there will be a straight swap, but acquiring Waiters means there’s no future here for AB.
Brent Barry of NBA TV hinted at a possible Jeff Green for Josh Smith trade.
No thanks.
The NBA’s worst shooter and his $13.5 million salary can stay in Detroit.
And Sam Amico of Fox Ohio reports the Celtics might stick with Rajon Rondo, Jared Sullinger and Jeff Green as their core:
Most executives contacted by FOX Sports Ohio say it seems more and more likely that Ainge and coach Brad Stevens want to build around point guard Rajon Rondo, forward Jeff Green and second-year big man Jared Sullinger, the reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week.
Everyone else, however, appears to be available. (And even those three aren’t considered untouchable.)
Outside of Rondo, Green and Sullinger, forward Brandon Bass and guard Avery Bradley are drawing the most interest. The same goes for backup forward Kris Humphries, whose $12 million contract is set to expire.
I don’t see Green as a core guy. Keep Bradley, shop Green.
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