NBA 2016–17 Free Agency Biggest Loser : The Boston Celtics
In contrast to my previous article I am going to talk about the team who I feel simply did not do enough during free agency. I will go into depth about 3 possible deals that could have benefitted the Celtics.
1. Jimmy Butler
2016–17 statistics: 23.9 ppg, 5.5 apg, 6.2 rbg
Lineup with him on the court: PG Isaiah Thomas, SG Avery Bradley, SF Jimmy Butler, PF Al Horford, C Amir Johnson
Most Likely Trade: Celtics send Jae Crowder, Marcus Smart, and 2017 nets pick to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Jimmy Butler
This is simple. The dude is a star. He has proven he can play at both ends of the floor with the best in the game and that he is worth all of his 5-year, 93 million dollar deal the Bulls gave him last year. One of the best small forwards in the game he would have had an immediate impact in Boston. I know Ainge would of had to give up his beloved first overall pick from Brooklyn for next year but come on Danny, what was the point of getting them it if you weren’t going to use it.
I understand this would have meant parting ways with the treasured pick along with two key pieces in the Celtics rotation but I think the reward would have been much better. No matter how good the Celtics are at the moment I don’t believe for a second that they have a shot in hell of even competing with LeBron and the Cavaliers in a seven game series. I would take LeBron in six at the absolute most.
I am very sad this deal wasn’t done as it would have benefitted both teams tremendously. With the acquisition of Butler I feel the Celtics could have easily made a very deep playoff run and matched up with Cleveland tremendously with a Big 3 of their own in Thomas, Butler, and Horford who coincidentally all play the same positions as their opponents. It’s almost as though it was meant to be. Im sure the Bulls would have even thrown in a secound round pick since they gave away Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott. At the end of the day, Danny Ainge refused to take a risk yet again and since he couldn’t rip off the Bulls like he did the nets he wouldn’t pull the trigger.
2. Paul George
2016–17 statistics: 23.7 ppg, 3.3 apg, and 6.6 rpg
Lineup with him on the court: PG Isaiah Thomas, SG Avery Bradley, SF Paul George, PF Al Horford, C Amir Johnson
Most Likely Trade: Boston sends Jae Crowder, Marcus Smart, and the 2017 nets pick in exchange for Paul George
I know that my trade does not coincide with what Mike Ortiz tweeted but I firmly believe that this was almost a joke, the Pacers were high balling the Celtics to see if they could get something crazy out of them. Honestly I feel the whole idea that George was on the market was a stint by the Pacers to get everyone riled up for the summer. However, if it wasn’t I believe the deal would have been identical to the Butler one. I doubt they would not have accepted that offer in Indiana. Again, making sense for both teams but I still feel the Celtics would have came out on top.
Paul George would have given them the superstar they need to be over the top like teams are today. Look at the Cavs and Warriors, they both have at least two and a half superstars in Durant, Curry, and Draymond/Thompson in Golden State and LeBron, Kyrie, and Love being the half himself in Cleveland. The Celtics would have matched very well with this logic having George, Thomas, and Horford to fill the half. Yet again Danny Ainge sat on his hands and did nothing with the picks.
3. Carmelo Anthony
2016–17 statistics: 22.4 ppg, 2.9 apg, and 5.9 rpg
Lineup with him on the court: PG Isaiah Thomas, SG Avery Bradley, SF Carmelo Anthony, PF Al Horford, C Amir Johnson
Most Likely Trade: Celtics trade Jae Crowder and 2017 nets pick to the New York Knicks in exchange for Carmelo Anthony
Phil Jackson has seemed to openly express on numerous occasions that he doesn’t really like Carmelo Anthony all that much and seems to want him out in order to rebuild. Let him! Get them out of this massive contract and end this relationship that clearly is not working. New York hasn’t made a real run in I don’t know how long and Phil is the only one who seems to understand that for one reason or another you cannot build a winning team around Carmelo even with other stars.
On the other end of the spectrum you have a young homegrown Celtics team who has what it takes to win now, the only thing missing is a proven elite scorer. Enter Carmelo. Yes, I know he takes a lot of shots and may even be a ball hog but as of right now the Celtics don’t really have anyone to rely on in late game situations besides 5-foot-10 Isaiah Thomas. Even he probably would feel more confident having someone else to score efficiently on the offensive end come playoff time. He is amazing but cannot score every possession and win games by his self. Plus Ainge wouldn’t have even had to give up nearly enough to get him. The contract makes sense since the Celtics have so much money and they would be a much better team. Again, nothing done about it though.
