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Here we are, a day away from the NBA Draft and the rumors are pretty much all over the map. The Celtics could trade up, trade down, trade for a star, trade away a star, or do nothing but pick their own picks. Or maybe some combination of some of the above. Who knows?
The top priority might have the lowest chance of happening, at least on draft night.
Not a whole lotta Love for Celtics | Boston Herald
There remains some possibility that Minnesota will trade Kevin Love by tomorrow night, but involved sources told the Herald that Timberwolves president of basketball operations, coach and part owner Flip Saunders is growing more entrenched that he should let things play out with his All-Star forward.
It’s been reported here that Danny Ainge offered the sixth and 17th overall picks, along with Kelly Olynyk and one of their own future first-round picks. They are also willing to discuss packages that include first-rounders the C’s are owed from Brooklyn in 2016 and 2018. But one problem from the Timberwolves’ side is the additional contracts they would take back to make the salary numbers on a deal conform to the collective bargaining rules.
Sounds like the Celtics are trying to trade for players that the Timberwolves would want to take back in a Love plus picks trade but they are skeptical that Ainge can come up with what they want. Danny is one of the most creative and hardest working GMs out there, but he might not have the bullets to get this one done on draft night.
Saunders might try to keep Love past the draft and even into the season. He'll risk losing him for nothing at this time next year though. I'm guessing this is a ploy to get teams to up their offers at the last minute, but if there's always a chance that he could be shopped later in the summer or even at the trade deadline. It would just be kind of awkward for all parties without some kind of show of confidence by Kevin Love in what the Wolves are doing.
Switching gears, there was an interesting rumor yesterday about the Kings trying to put together the All Weirdo super team.
Could Smith lead to Rondo for Kings? - Boston Celtics Blog - ESPN Boston
Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com on Tuesday that the Pistons have engaged the Sacramento Kings in trade discussions this week that would potentially land Josh Smith in the same Sacramento frontcourt as DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay. Another potential bonus [for the Kings] is Smith's close relationship with Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo, whom Sacramento has reportedly been targeting in trade talks for some time.
So they'd want to put out a lineup of Rondo, McLemore (if he isn't traded), Gay, Smith, and Cousins. I don't know if that is so crazy it just might work or just plain crazy.
That rumor appeared to be knocked down as quick as it surfaced though.
Rumored Sacramento-Detroit trade is "dead" according to a team source. Talks were ongoing for a few days, but Detroit nixed it this morning.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 24, 2014
That doesn't mean that the Kings will stop calling the Celtics about their #8 pick though. Sounds like they are intent on moving it.
One source said that the Kings' focus, for the moment, is Thursday's draft and perhaps swinging a trade involving the No. 8 overall pick. Sources told ESPN.com's Andy Katz on Tuesday that Sacramento has narrowed its potential draft pick trade partners down to Boston, Phoenix and Philadelphia -- three teams that have multiple first-round picks.
So needless to say, watch the Kings carefully on draft night.
As for moving up to get the number one pick, the Celtics have apparently made the call, but there's no telling how much traction they got or even what they offered. Sounds like they are calling everyone in fact.
Danny Ainge talks it up | Boston Herald
According to a league source, Danny Ainge and Co. have talked with all five teams above them in the draft order about trading up from the sixth pick. That includes Cleveland, which has the top pick for the second year in a row. Nothing, though, is imminent. The Celtics have also talked with teams about securing a lower pick, as well as a choice in the second round.
So, glad we've got that narrowed down.
Any chance that Embiid could fall to us at #6? Maybe. Maybe not.
Joel Embiid still very strongly in play with Philly at #3, and Orlando at #4. Doesn't fall past Sacramento at 8 worst case scenario I'm told
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 24, 2014
Basically anything could happen tomorrow night. Which is why we watch.
Who's having fun?