Rumor: Suns want 1st rd pick for Dragic

[Eddie20]

@GeryWoelfel
Hearing Suns want a first-rounder for Goran Dragic and, rest assured, they'll get it. Rockets got to be tempted.
9:32pm - 11 Feb 15



We definitely have the assets to get him. We could combine our Clips pick with a 2nd rd pick or two and it should be enough. Dragic would be a good fit in a 3 guard rotation alongside Smart and Bradley, since he can play effectively both with and without the ball. We'll have to pay him big money this summer, but that contract won't be bad considering the spike contracts across the board will take in the summer of 16.

[PhoSita]

Acquiring Dragic and then making a big play for Deandre Jordan this summer would be a sure way to return to semi-respectability by this time next year.  Wouldn't even tie up all of the cap space to sign those two.

Would still be a star wing player away from being truly competitive, but maybe that's what the stockpile of picks is for.

[pearljammer10]

Definitely worth a first, however, he is most likely going to test free agency next year. I'd be worried about giving up a first and then having him sign elsewhere.

[Eddie20]

Acquiring Dragic and then making a big play for Deandre Jordan this summer would be a sure way to return to semi-respectability by this time next year.  Wouldn't even tie up all of the cap space to sign those two.

Would still be a star wing player away from being truly competitive, but maybe that's what the stockpile of picks is for.

Plus, this draft is very strong at the 3 spot.

Sullinger
1st rd pick- Johnson, Oubre, Winslow, etc.
Jordan
Dragic
Smart

With a bench rotation of-

Olynyk
Zeller
Bradley
Young

Would look pretty good

[wdleehi]

Celtics are not in position to trade assets for a player rental.


And if the Celtics traded Rondo because Smart is the PG of the future, does it make sense to bring in another PG that will command a good size contract?

[Donoghus]

Celtics are not in position to trade assets for a player rental.


And if the Celtics traded Rondo because Smart is the PG of the future, does it make sense to bring in another PG that will command a good size contract?

This.

[Eddie20]

Celtics are not in position to trade assets for a player rental.


And if the Celtics traded Rondo because Smart is the PG of the future, does it make sense to bring in another PG that will command a good size contract?

Yes. Dragic is a much better fit alongside Smart because he can shoot and stretch the floor. Rondo can't be off the ball because of his shooting. Plus, Dragic has been better than Rondo for a while now.

[WeMadeIt17]

While i love Dragic. Is it worth it? This would force Stevens hand to either put Smart or Bradley to the bench and I don't wanna see Marcus there anymore. If i knew AB was going to be our 6th man then i'd say yes. Do it. But my gut would say Brad would start AB.

[slamtheking]

Celtics are not in position to trade assets for a player rental.


And if the Celtics traded Rondo because Smart is the PG of the future, does it make sense to bring in another PG that will command a good size contract?

got to be honest, the more I watch Smart, the more I wonder if he can be the PG of the future.  seems to have more trouble than a good PG should have dribbling in traffic.  pairing him with Dragic would work I think.  Smart's D is terrific but as far as playmaking skills, he's not as good as Turner and Turner isn't all that great. 

wouldn't be against acquiring him assuming the price was reasonable and they were able to get him to re-up after this contract is up AND provided there was a solid plan in place to add at least another good vet to go with him.  would be pointless to bring him in by himself since it won't gain us much and likely wouldn't be able to convince him to sign an extension.

[PhoSita]

Celtics are not in position to trade assets for a player rental.


And if the Celtics traded Rondo because Smart is the PG of the future, does it make sense to bring in another PG that will command a good size contract?

I don't entirely disagree, but if you could get Dragic for Bradley and a 1st, wouldn't you do it?

The Celtics are middle of the road record-wise despite the tear down.  A high draft pick isn't coming at this point, and it might not next year either.  So need to explore other avenues of talent acquisition.

Dragic would fit well with this roster, won't cost an outrageous sum this summer, and should remain a solid trade chip even after he gets paid.  If Ainge thought he could re-sign him, it could make sense to go after him.

I'd rather have Dragic at 4 years / 50 million than Bradley on his current contract.  Dragic has positive trade value around the league and he's miles better as a PG or SG.

[PhoSita]

Celtics are not in position to trade assets for a player rental.


And if the Celtics traded Rondo because Smart is the PG of the future, does it make sense to bring in another PG that will command a good size contract?

got to be honest, the more I watch Smart, the more I wonder if he can be the PG of the future.  seems to have more trouble than a good PG should have dribbling in traffic.  pairing him with Dragic would work I think.  Smart's D is terrific but as far as playmaking skills, he's not as good as Turner and Turner isn't all that great. 

wouldn't be against acquiring him assuming the price was reasonable and they were able to get him to re-up after this contract is up AND provided there was a solid plan in place to add at least another good vet to go with him.  would be pointless to bring him in by himself since it won't gain us much and likely wouldn't be able to convince him to sign an extension.

I don't think Smart is ever going to be a Chris Paul or even Jeff Teague style point guard.  He doesn't have a super fast first step or a great crossover.  I think he can become similar to Lowry, where he makes the smart play, is a bulldog defensively, takes advantages of mismatches and is a straight line driver when the opportunity presents.  A good but not spectacular player.

[SHAQATTACK]

Celtics are not in position to trade assets for a player rental.


And if the Celtics traded Rondo because Smart is the PG of the future, does it make sense to bring in another PG that will command a good size contract?

I don't entirely disagree, but if you could get Dragic for Bradley and a 1st, wouldn't you do it?

In a New York second .   

But ...they would want Smart not Bradley

[hpantazo]

Celtics are not in position to trade assets for a player rental.


And if the Celtics traded Rondo because Smart is the PG of the future, does it make sense to bring in another PG that will command a good size contract?

The celtics traded Rondo because they weren't going to give a max deal to a guy hitting 30 comming off acl surgery who can't shoot, pounds the ball, and is petulant at best. I can see them giving Dragic a max deal though, different situation altogether.

[aingeforthree]

Celtics are not in position to trade assets for a player rental.


And if the Celtics traded Rondo because Smart is the PG of the future, does it make sense to bring in another PG that will command a good size contract?

Not in position ? With that many picks & assets, you're wide open. You're in any position to do anything you want to do.

[Rondo9]

Celtics are not in position to trade assets for a player rental.


And if the Celtics traded Rondo because Smart is the PG of the future, does it make sense to bring in another PG that will command a good size contract?

The celtics traded Rondo because they weren't going to give a max deal to a guy hitting 30 comming off acl surgery who can't shoot, pounds the ball, and is petulant at best. I can see them giving Dragic a max deal though, different situation altogether.

Are we still arguing that Rondo is a baby who pounds the ball? Anyway yes I would definitely trade for Dragic.