Forget Nash, boston maybe?

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Well, regardless of what we do, I just don't want to put our eggs in the current basket. I don't see this team going anywhere. We need to strip it down to a single wall and build from there.

Agreed.

 

[Natebishop3]

I've got a feeling about Deron Williams. If we keep our cap space and make a good pitch, I think we have a shot at getting him. I'm not saying we're a front runner or that it's a sure thing, but I think we could get in the running.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I've got a feeling about Deron Williams. If we keep our cap space and make a good pitch, I think we have a shot at getting him. I'm not saying we're a front runner or that it's a sure thing, but I think we could get in the running.

That's a deal I'd try and do. Williams/Batum/LA/Wallace/? can be a daunting starting 5.

 

[Run BJM]

You are severely over rating Boston. When was their last championship before this most recent one? That team was TERRIBLE forever, and they would have stayed terrible if they didn't pull off those hail mary's on KG and Allen. Now Allen and KG will be gone and all they've got is an aging Pierce and a headcase in Rondo. Why would that be appealing to Howard or Williams?

Ainge took over in 03. He promptly traded Antoine Walker, tanked, drafted Al Jeff, Delonte West, Tony Allen, Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes over the next three years then flipped most of them and his lotto pick for KG/Allen. He re-signed Allen a year or two ago so that his contract and KG's ended at the same time. All this isn't just a coincidence. He knew they were getting old and he could make a big play in this year's free agency if he set it up this way. I believe that part of the premise of his pitch to Howard is that he believes he can still retain KG (where is KG going to go? they can still pay him fairly decently and hes a notoriously loyal guy who wants to win). Tell him Rondo/Pierce/KG/Dwight is the core for the next few years, once they leave they'll have a lot of cap space to look for another third banana. As far as media markets is he any better off in Dallas than Boston? Playing with Dirk and Kidd and a whole host of other older players? New Jersey/Brooklyn has appeal but can they retain Deron and if they do is that enough talent to beat the Heat/OKC?

They've got a pretty decent pitch IMO.

Back to the topic though, they're not moving Rondo for anything but a blue chip prospect or another star. Nash could be a nice target in free agency, the chances of signing him are infinitely higher than signing Deron. Unfortunately your only chance of adding a real star in their prime is trading Batum (this is the minimum, as you have little else of value as far as trades for stars go). You could sign Nash and hope Batum does blossom into an all-star. Or maybe you could trade Batum + something for Rondo and still have some money left to burn on a good third core piece.

 

[Natebishop3]

Ainge took over in 03. He promptly traded Antoine Walker, tanked, drafted Al Jeff, Delonte West, Tony Allen, Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes over the next three years then flipped most of them and his lotto pick for KG/Allen. He re-signed Allen a year or two ago so that his contract and KG's ended at the same time. All this isn't just a coincidence. He knew they were getting old and he could make a big play in this year's free agency if he set it up this way. I believe that part of the premise of his pitch to Howard is that he believes he can still retain KG (where is KG going to go? they can still pay him fairly decently and hes a notoriously loyal guy who wants to win). Tell him Rondo/Pierce/KG/Dwight is the core for the next few years, once they leave they'll have a lot of cap space to look for another third banana. As far as media markets is he any better off in Dallas than Boston? Playing with Dirk and Kidd and a whole host of other older players? New Jersey/Brooklyn has appeal but can they retain Deron and if they do is that enough talent to beat the Heat/OKC?

They've got a pretty decent pitch IMO.

Back to the topic though, they're not moving Rondo for anything but a blue chip prospect or another star. Nash could be a nice target in free agency, the chances of signing him are infinitely higher than signing Deron. Unfortunately your only chance of adding a real star in their prime is trading Batum (this is the minimum, as you have little else of value as far as trades for stars go). You could sign Nash and hope Batum does blossom into an all-star. Or maybe you could trade Batum + something for Rondo and still have some money left to burn on a good third core piece.

My predictions:

Dwight will end up in LA.

Deron will end up in Dallas.

Boston will completely suck and end up trading Pierce and/or Rondo.