I remember in the late 80's there was a trade rumor of Robert Parish to Seattle for Michael Cage and Xavier McDaniel. Would have made for interesting discussion.
Also, there was a rumored deal that had Boston sending Brian Shaw to Sacramento for Wayman Tisdale (which actually made ESPN on draft night - can't remember the year - maybe 1990).
I can't imagine how people would have looked at the team in 1987 - Bias' death, Walton being done, and the decline of the bench (Fred Roberts & Darren Daye) - who knows if the internet pressure would have done anything to accelerate a McHale trade...