Well yes when you try to offload a player to create space it's salary dump, but I don't think they;ll do it with Crowder who has an extremely valuable contract. They can create the space with Smart that is RFA next year and they wouldn't sign him anyway. They'll probably use Crowder to get a good trade. I think dumping Rozier and Mickey is enough too, but they probably prefer Rozier to Smart as he is tied for one more year with just 2M.
BOS desperately needs bigs - and I mean DESPERATELY. Rebounding was their biggest weakness, by far, last season. They didn't have a single big that was even close to an average rebounder for his position. And, they've let both Olynyk and Tyler Zeller walk to free up space to sign Hayward.
2015-16 Ed Davis would be perfect for them. 2016-17 Ed Davis, not so much. Although, even in a down year, Ed was a WAY better rebounder than anyone on their roster. They don't need scoring from the 4 spot, just rebounding and defense. I'm sure they would love to get Noah Vonleh, but unless a 3rd team is involved, we can't help them clear enough salary to sign the Hayward deal.
Side bar: to those who think our crap contracts don't hurt us because it's Paul Allens' money and we shouldn't care how he spends it - this is an example of why some of us care. BOS has some very good players, players on great contracts, players who actually play defense, that we could use. They are looking to dump salary, but because we are over the tax apron, we can't help give them what they need. So, those very good payers on great contracts will likely end up elsewhere.
That said, and it still doesn't quite get BOS where the need to complete the Hayward signing, but it saves them $1.5 million (half of what they need) and most importantly, addresses their front court needs in a big way:
Ed Davis + Noah Vonleh for Jae Crowder + Marcus Smart
That gives BOS two rebounding, defensive bigs - one veteran + a 22-year old that has already proven he can play defense and rebound against NBA starters. Neither one can score much, but like I said earlier, that's not a big need for BOS at the 4 spot. They really need rebounding most of all, and defense out of that position. This gives them that in both the starting line up and coming off the bench. Vonleh is also young enough to fit well with their younger, up and coming players.
From our standpoint, that gets us TWO excellent perimeter defenders, which addresses our biggest weakness. Losing both Ed and Noah means we'd REALLY need our rookies to step up, but Neil seems very high on them. So, maybe it's time to put up or shut up.
Also, adding Crowder has a domino effect. It means Aminu (for sure) and possibly Harkless become trade bait. They are both on reasonable contracts. So, maybe move one of them for something of need. Perhaps a back up center, like Kyle O'Quinn (first choice) or Cole Aldrich. Harkless for O'Quinn + Lance Thomas works, as does Aminu for Aldrich.
BOS could then waive or trade Jordan Mickey for a future top 55 protected 2nd round pick to clear enough space to complete the Hayward signing.
So, who says no, Olshey or Ainge?
BNM
