OK, it's early for this thread, but let's be honest, talking about '16 and beyond is what's going to get us through the season. As entertaining as they've been in a losing cause, the piling up of losses is going to wear on us. Not to mention the endless Rondo debate. I'm going to divide this into four lists, the first one is going to be the primetime players, the second one the useful vets of varying ability, the third one the young, possibly undervalued guys that Boston might be able to poach, and the last one the retreads. Some guys on the first list are probably completely out absent special circumstances, and some are just going to be bidding wars that Boston may not win or may not want to.
Stars & Near Stars
Useful Vets
Up & Comers
Reclamation Projects/Retreads
Stars & Near Stars
- Marc Gasol- Probably won't leave Memphis, but should have the life of a max deal left in his body.
- Kawhi Leonard- Probably not in play as the Spurs would likely just match any offer. The only real possibility I could see is if Boston cut a deal with the Hawks (e.g. Rondo/Green for Teague/2015#1) or Knicks, end up with a second lottery pick and there's someone the Spurs really want on the board. Probably a pipedream.
- LaMarcus Aldridge- Probably not leaving Portland, but if Boston landed one of the centers in the draft then LMA would look really good here.
- Goran Dragic- Another year out there and there's no way he picks up that option. But will probably return.
- Kevin Love- It would be funny if he Elton Branded the Cavs, and funnier still if he did it for Boston. Sad it won't happen.
- Greg Monroe- Now that he's a UFA, the odds are that he draws a near max deal. I would hate the fit with Sullinger/Olynyk, but if they had someone in front of him that could defend you can live with him in the post (Detroit's most effective defensive pairings last year featured Smith and Monroe at the 4/5).
- DeAndre Jordan- Going max this summer. Probably with the Clippers, though I'm sure the Lakers will chase hard.
- Al Jefferson- Probably belongs on the next list, but he's a center, scores a lot, grabs boards, and will opt out of that current deal to re-up at the max.
- Monta Ellis- Almost certain to opt of that deal, but probably not on Boston's radar.
Useful Vets
- Rudy Gay (in a keep Rondo happy & here bid)
- Paul Millsap
- Thad Young
- Aaron Afflalo
- Omer Asik
- Wes Matthews
- Jeremy Lin
- Wilson Chandler
Up & Comers
- Tristan Thompson- The Cavs clearly view him as part of their trade package of the future, but he's hitting RFA status on a team where he's bench depth. This is the first year he's played for a non-clusterfuck, but he's got no future there. So he should be in range for Boston, either with a large enough offer this summer to make the Cavs think twice or in trade prior to that.
- Reggie Jackson- There will be a luxury tax next year and the Thunder might not like paying Avery Bradley+ money for their sixth man, so I can see him in play for the Thunder, either over the summer or later on this year if they want to shuffle the bench around some.
- Tobias Harris- Is probably going to lose his job to Gordon in Orlando, and could be a target for Boston to replace Green with.
- Jimmy Butler- With all the money the Bulls are spending elsewhere...
- K.J. McDaniel- Trolled Philly and will be an RFA next summer
- Jae Crowder- I irrationally love Crowder
- Dre' Green- And Green
Reclamation Projects/Retreads
- Xavier Henry- Has been pretty good for LA, but if Green's gone then he's certainly out there as a possible replacement.
- Wes Johnson- As is this guy, though he's a few years older than XH.
- Thomas Robinson- UFA, I believe, so this one's simple
- Derrick Williams- Restricted, but I don't think it would take that much to get Sacramento to not match.
- Austin Rivers- Destined to join dad in LA, but, he's out there.
- Gerald Henderson- Meh. But if they trade Bradley in season he's a possible replacement this summer.
- Ricky Ledo- A talented knucklehead, but he'd get time here.