Everyone can fuck right off: https://sports.yahoo.com/report-kyrie-irvings-interest-teaming-lebron-james-real-000214384.html
Despite his statements to the contrary, Kyrie flight has always been a real risk. If this is even remotely true, Ainge has to be thinking about moving him now. To be clear, I am not saying that the C's should trade him but if they can turn Irving into some younger assets to pair with Tatum and Brown, they have to consider it. There is even a scenario where they trade Kyrie and are still able to compete deep into the playoffs too.Everyone can fuck right off: https://sports.yahoo.com/report-kyrie-irvings-interest-teaming-lebron-james-real-000214384.html
Agree with all the above. This is where you need to have good communication lines with Kyrie's reps. Building around Tatum/Brown/Smart/Rozier/picks and whatever you get for Kyrie is far from the worst future, and might accelerate everyone's development.Despite his statements to the contrary, Kyrie flight has always been a real risk. If this is even remotely true, Ainge has to be thinking about moving him now. To be clear, I am not saying that the C's should trade him but if they can turn Irving into some younger assets to pair with Tatum and Brown, they have to consider it. There is even a scenario where they trade Kyrie and are still able to compete deep into the playoffs too.
However the reality is, barring an injury to their competition, its going to be hard for this C's squad to get out of the East, let alone hang with Golden State in the finals. Furthermore, if Irving is gone, the chances of the C's getting and retaining Davis go way down. To me, the C's hanging on to Kyrie only to see him bolt during the summer is a far worse outcome than getting something in return for him now.
Knicks and Nets seem to be the primary trade targets, if they think they're best shot of getting a star is to trade for one like Kyrie and convince him to re-up after the season. Not sure what packages would make sense though, and I don't see the Nets trading future draft picks to the Celtics again.Which teams would trade for Kyrie, given his flight risk? The Lakers would just wait it out if they think they're getting him.
If Kyrie doesn't clearly signal he's staying, and the Knicks would do their pick this year unprotected, I'd be really tempted.Knicks and Nets seem to be the primary trade targets, if they think they're best shot of getting a star is to trade for one like Kyrie and convince him to re-up after the season. Not sure what packages would make sense though, and I don't see the Nets trading future draft picks to the Celtics again.
If Ainge thinks Kyrie is gone, you do this in a Bias heartbeatIf Kyrie doesn't clearly signal he's staying, and the Knicks would do their pick this year unprotected, I'd be really tempted.
But then Kyrie plays for the Knicks the rest of the year, and the pick gets way worse.If Kyrie doesn't clearly signal he's staying, and the Knicks would do their pick this year unprotected, I'd be really tempted.
They wont do it. They are tanking hard for Zion.But then Kyrie plays for the Knicks the rest of the year, and the pick gets way worse.
Way to go, E5. Put the idea in Kyrie’s head...Everyone can fuck right off: https://sports.yahoo.com/report-kyrie-irvings-interest-teaming-lebron-james-real-000214384.html
Players are human, and even if it's in their best interest to stay completely quiet, they'll sometimes crack and give away hints in the form of the non-answers or denials they give.If you are Kyrie, why would you want the Celtics to trade you now? So, you spend the rest of the season on a lousy, non-playoff team. Then, that team you just joined is worse, because they traded at least some of their assets to the Celtics. If Kyrie really wants to play somewhere besides Boston next season, his best bet is to just hold tight, say nothing, and leave at the end of the season.
As others have noted, this story needs to be discounted by a lot. The timing smells and as was observed above, if Kyrie wants to leave, he risks spending the rest of this season somewhere worse than Boston.Here's the thing--don't make a fucking commercial with your dad in the Garden talking about wanting the Celtics to retire your number. Don't pop your shirt saying BOSTON on it last week after a win.
If this is true...and I stress the *if* then it seems like as soon as things don't go smoothly (Hayward hurt and slow comeback, etc.) he wants to bail.
After addressing the crowd on fan appreciation night to say he wanted to stay, one would think he'd address this now.
I’m sure the NBA refs have something to do with it. Along with the cabal against Jaylen BrownSomeone needs to explain to me why we can't trade for Anthony Davis right now, but somehow, the Lakers can sign Lebron James, trade for Anthony Davis and then sign Kyrie Irving in a 12 month span?
The NBA CBA is a complicated clusterfuck that will only lead to less and less parity.
I think odds of Kyrie getting traded are incredibly low but I do also wonder what his value would be. Probably not that high given that his list of realistic FA suitors is so small.As others have noted, this story needs to be discounted by a lot. The timing smells and as was observed above, if Kyrie wants to leave, he risks spending the rest of this season somewhere worse than Boston.
If he and his people aren't already aware, Ainge may be the most cold blooded executive in sports. I have no doubt he would explore an Irving trade at the first sign that he is gone after the season.
Gordon or Terry wouldn't be the guys taking advantage of a more tired opponent though, right?Well, I said "if," but I've watched every minute of every game, and I can't remember a single time Gordon Hayward or Terry Rozier took advantage of an opponent because the opponent had played a lot of minutes. Shit, if Gordon and Terry have an advantage because of their fresher legs, then it's worse than I thought. You're saying it could be worse?
I agree - its not clear. Why would anyone give up value for the guy if Boston is trading him - the centerpiece of their current team - now? As was noted upthread, the Lakers aren't going to trade for him so that leaves someone gambling that they get him and he stays. I mean, maybe a team like Denver might kick the tires or perhaps Utah might bite. Short of that, its hard to see any fits from either side and I was straining in that case.I think odds of Kyrie getting traded are incredibly low but I do also wonder what his value would be. Probably not that high given that his list of realistic FA suitors is so small.
Again, I say this as someone who knows virtually nothing about the NBA trade/salary cap lunacy, but what about a team like Minnesota? Pairing Kyrie up with Wiggins and Towns, with Derrick Rose going back to a 6th man role could turn them into at least a decent playoff contender for a year. If they offer Okogie, and an unprotected 2020 1st rounder (presumably could be pretty decent if Kyrie takes off after the season), would you consider that?I agree - its not clear. Why would anyone give up value for the guy if Boston is trading him - the centerpiece of their current team - now? As was noted upthread, the Lakers aren't going to trade for him so that leaves someone gambling that they get him and he stays. I mean, maybe a team like Denver might kick the tires or perhaps Utah might bite. Short of that, its hard to see any fits from either side and I was straining in that case.
In fairness, there wasn't much else thereWay to go, E5. Put the idea in Kyrie’s head...
I’ll feel better when Kyrie does...FWIW Jackie MacMullen laughed at the rumors.
That's worth a lot, Jackie Mac is Kyrie's go to.FWIW Jackie MacMullen laughed at the rumors.
Minnesota is interesting as is San Antonio because, as you point out, Irving improves them in the now. The question I have is, once again, to what end? Maybe the T-Wolves make the playoffs and maybe Irving gets the Spurs a bit deeper in the West. But what sort of value would either give up for those outcomes? Furthermore, I am not sure either can offer that Ainge might want.Again, I say this as someone who knows virtually nothing about the NBA trade/salary cap lunacy, but what about a team like Minnesota? Pairing Kyrie up with Wiggins and Towns, with Derrick Rose going back to a 6th man role could turn them into at least a decent playoff contender for a year. If they offer Okogie, and an unprotected 2020 1st rounder (presumably could be pretty decent if Kyrie takes off after the season), would you consider that?
Or here's one that's out of the box. San Antonio. I can't imagine Pop wants to be coaching at this stage just for the privilege of getting blown out by Golden State, at best. Aren't you the Derrick White fan? What if you can get him back in a trade? Would Pop do it to try and make a run at the Warriors with Kyrie, Derozan and Aldridge? I imagine every season that doesn't end in a championship is a bust from Pop's perspective at this point, and Kyrie gets them a whole lot closer to that this year than they are right now.
Laughed and said it’s coming from Rich Paul. Jackie is as plugged in with Kyrie (and the Celtics FO for that matter) as any reporter, so it’s worth a good bit more than Ric Bucher. Cui bono, yo.FWIW Jackie MacMullen laughed at the rumors.
Everyone can fuck right off: https://sports.yahoo.com/report-kyrie-irvings-interest-teaming-lebron-james-real-000214384.html
I might be reaching here, but this dig hurts.But, hey, if Irving can change his mind on playing with James again, nothing is impossible, right?
Agreed but someone planted that story. It may well be the Forces of Klutch but if its being done without Kyrie's knowledge, LeBron...er, Paul risks alienating Irving. As with all the stories around the trade deadline, everyone has an agenda. While I could see the intent being to drive a wedge between Kyrie and the Cs, it could just as easily backfire. They are essentially messing with another man's money.Ric Bucher?
Way to try and still relevant Ric.
One of the last dudes I'd look to for breaking news.
Nah, every post in every thread on every forum is about you.I might be reaching here, but this dig hurts.
What are you talking about? That quote is from the article and my post is a Celtics reference.Nah, every post in every thread on every forum is about you.
Except this one
What are you talking about? That quote is from the article and my post is a Celtics reference.
Of course, and that was the reach I was referring toIt’s a slight stretch because it’s not the exact quote but I knew what you meant
If Kyrie really wants out than the obvious trade target is New Orleans, or rather 3-way deal with AD coming to Boston, Kyrie going somewhere, and Boston and that team sending goodies to N.O..Again, I say this as someone who knows virtually nothing about the NBA trade/salary cap lunacy, but what about a team like Minnesota? Pairing Kyrie up with Wiggins and Towns, with Derrick Rose going back to a 6th man role could turn them into at least a decent playoff contender for a year. If they offer Okogie, and an unprotected 2020 1st rounder (presumably could be pretty decent if Kyrie takes off after the season), would you consider that?
Or here's one that's out of the box. San Antonio. I can't imagine Pop wants to be coaching at this stage just for the privilege of getting blown out by Golden State, at best. Aren't you the Derrick White fan? What if you can get him back in a trade? Would Pop do it to try and make a run at the Warriors with Kyrie, Derozan and Aldridge? I imagine every season that doesn't end in a championship is a bust from Pop's perspective at this point, and Kyrie gets them a whole lot closer to that this year than they are right now.
Caveat: this is completely speculative.Yeah, I don’t believe that article for a second. Sounds like a Klutch plant. Klutch represents Marcus Morris so Rich Paul technically is a “source close to the Celtics”.
It’s been known publicly for years that Ainge covets AD. This is what he’s been stockpiling assets for. I’d think Kyrie knows Danny is going to make a run at him and also knows it can’t happen until July.Caveat: this is completely speculative.
But another possibility is that these stories are being leaked by Kyrie's side to put pressure on Ainge and the front-office. Irving may have been sold on Boston's viability as a championship contender based on a plan to spin their young players and draft assets into another legit star, or AD specifically. If it turns out that AD's going to force his way to LA, Kyrie's estimation of the Celtics' chances at a title, both this season and in the coming years, might have dimmed.
Despite taking on the 'team leader' label, he's never seemed that interested in, or comfortable with, nurturing inexperienced players. Dude wants to win, now. He's publicly stated on a few occasions that the team needs more veteran leadership, and after the Orlando game a few weeks ago that "the young guys" don't know what it takes to win a championship. Maybe he's leveraging his commitment to the franchise to push Ainge into cashing out some of those assets and getting him some help?
But that's a lot of ifs, and it'd probably be easier to just tell Ainge himself rather than drop hints via the media, so maybe not.
In any event, a team with max money tied up in an aging Horford and a thus far ineffective Hayward just might not be as attractive moving forward as a team with that money invested in LBJ and AD.
Not sure I see it. Ainge doesn’t need pressure from Kyrie to go after AD. He literally can’t trade for him right now without trading Kyrie. If AD is still out there this summer, Ainge will be going after him with everything he’s got. Trading any assets now doesn’t make any sense and I’m sure Kyrie gets that.Caveat: this is completely speculative.
But another possibility is that these stories are being leaked by Kyrie's side to put pressure on Ainge and the front-office. Irving may have been sold on Boston's viability as a championship contender based on a plan to spin their young players and draft assets into another legit star, or AD specifically. If it turns out that AD's going to force his way to LA, Kyrie's estimation of the Celtics' chances at a title, both this season and in the coming years, might have dimmed.
Despite taking on the 'team leader' label, he's never seemed that interested in, or comfortable with, nurturing inexperienced players. Dude wants to win, now. He's publicly stated on a few occasions that the team needs more veteran leadership, and after the Orlando game a few weeks ago that "the young guys" don't know what it takes to win a championship. Maybe he's leveraging his commitment to the franchise to push Ainge into cashing out some of those assets and getting him some help?
But that's a lot of ifs, and it'd probably be easier to just tell Ainge himself rather than drop hints via the media, so maybe not.
In any event, a team with max money tied up in an aging Horford and a thus far ineffective Hayward just might not be as attractive moving forward as a team with that money invested in LBJ and AD.
I don't see anyone flipping out. I don't think anyone needs to simmer either. YRMV.We’re flipping out over a Bucher report???
Bwahaha. People need to simmer. Why the f would Kyrie want to go back to play with an old LeBron he demanded a trade to get away from?