Now that December 15th has come and gone, it's time to start evaluating the big man market, which figures to heat up in the coming months as teams start to give up on 2019-2020 season. This team is pretty much well-stocked everywhere else so the only move I really see Danny making is for an incremental big improvement. The current options on the roster are the following:
Theis
Time Lord
Kanter
Tacko
Poirier
Tacko and Poirier aren't going to be legitimate options come playoff time so we're down to Theis/TL/Kanter. Not a terrible trio but certainly an area that can use an upgrade, especially given TL's inability to stay health for even like 5 minutes. On the asset front, Ainge has a lot to work with, notably the Memphis pick that is top 6 protected in 2020 and unprotected in 2021. That pick isn't getting dealt unless a major name comes back. The team also has 2 late 1st's this year with their pick and Milwaukee's. Either could be fair game if the right option comes available. Could see guys like Arsen or Waters being added on to sweeten a deal, if necessary.
So, who might be available? I've raised the idea of Noel previously but now OKC is annoyingly the 7th seed and may not be sellers. Other options:
Willie Cauley-Stein (Warriors)
Derrick Favors (Pelicans) - would be tough to match salary
Gorgui Dieng (Timberwolves) - another tough salary match
Jonas Valanciunas (Grizzlies)
Aron Baynes (Suns) - I hear he has an admirer on this board
LaMarcus Aldridge (Spurs) - would be a major move that would require Hayward to go the other way, likely to 3rd team
Mitchell Robinson (Knicks) - probably not on market, especially in division, but it's the Knicks so you never know
Kevin Love (Cavs) - much discussed but not realistic option for Celtics
Andre Drummond (Pistons) - don't think Detroit entertains dealing him but leaving him here since the Drummond/Griffin pairing just isn't working. Would love to have Drummond doing all the dirty work down low for the J's and Kemba. Not going to lie - he's the guy I'm dreaming on. Would require dealing Hayward to a 3rd team for assets and tacking on the Memphis pick and others.
Others?
Theis
Time Lord
Kanter
Tacko
Poirier
Tacko and Poirier aren't going to be legitimate options come playoff time so we're down to Theis/TL/Kanter. Not a terrible trio but certainly an area that can use an upgrade, especially given TL's inability to stay health for even like 5 minutes. On the asset front, Ainge has a lot to work with, notably the Memphis pick that is top 6 protected in 2020 and unprotected in 2021. That pick isn't getting dealt unless a major name comes back. The team also has 2 late 1st's this year with their pick and Milwaukee's. Either could be fair game if the right option comes available. Could see guys like Arsen or Waters being added on to sweeten a deal, if necessary.
So, who might be available? I've raised the idea of Noel previously but now OKC is annoyingly the 7th seed and may not be sellers. Other options:
Willie Cauley-Stein (Warriors)
Derrick Favors (Pelicans) - would be tough to match salary
Gorgui Dieng (Timberwolves) - another tough salary match
Jonas Valanciunas (Grizzlies)
Aron Baynes (Suns) - I hear he has an admirer on this board
LaMarcus Aldridge (Spurs) - would be a major move that would require Hayward to go the other way, likely to 3rd team
Mitchell Robinson (Knicks) - probably not on market, especially in division, but it's the Knicks so you never know
Kevin Love (Cavs) - much discussed but not realistic option for Celtics
Andre Drummond (Pistons) - don't think Detroit entertains dealing him but leaving him here since the Drummond/Griffin pairing just isn't working. Would love to have Drummond doing all the dirty work down low for the J's and Kemba. Not going to lie - he's the guy I'm dreaming on. Would require dealing Hayward to a 3rd team for assets and tacking on the Memphis pick and others.
Others?