Okafor isn't coming here for anything but an overpay. We're not in a position to offer that. Seems like a non-starter.
Would Ainge staple a 1st rounder to Wallace in a trade to get under the cap? If the team is above .500 and bound for the playoffs?
Mike
The relevant scenario isn't getting under the cap. If the Celtics waive Bogans, Johnson, and Babb and use part of the MLE to sign Evan Turner, they will have the rest of the MLE to sign someone despite being over the cap. However, they will have 15 players under guaranteed contracts.
If Pressey shows no improvement and some combination of Turner, Smart, and Bradley can hold down the backup point guard behind Rondo, would it make sense to dump Pressey to clear a spot to sign Okafor for whatever is left of the MLE, outbidding teams that can only offer the minimum? I use Pressey because he has the smallest salary, but it could be someone else. For example, salary-dumping Faverani (or any player on an expiring contract) if he has a season-ending injury.