FanPost

2 to tango

If everyone stays healthy-- it is impossible to imagine either Rozier or Morris staying past this year. The Celtics likely will not have the cap space or minutes to keep either of them healthy. There are several factors that limit their mobility.

  • Combined they have about $8,500,000.00 in salary they can match (Ojeleye and Yabusele can be thrown in to max out around 14 million.)

  • The Celtics are asset rich right now. With potentially 4 draft picks in next year's draft, an one of the youngest and best rosters in the league-- the Celtics really have no need for more draft picks-- prior to the 2021 or 2022 class.

  • Some of the teams that make the most sense talent wise-- Philadelphia, Toronto, Indiana, Washington and Milwaukee-- the Celtics are not going to want to trade with.

    A good theoretical trade would be Morris and Rozier for Markelle Fultz and the 2022 unprotected Miami pick. Except, that would give Philly two players who fill two big needs for Philly and make them a much more difficult out in the playoffs. (Also--it would be an admission by Philly that trading for Fultz was stupid.)

  • For most of the league's bottom dwellers Morris and Rozier make little sense. Teams like Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings are more than two players away from contending for the playoffs-- much less a title. All adding Rozier and Morris would do is push down their lottery position.

Here are a few teams for who-- Rozier and Morris would be highly attractive. The big question is however, what do they have to give back to the Celtics?

  • Dallas Mavericks:

    PRO-- Rozier and Morris would fit in perfectly to the team. They have a player who would fit into what Boston wants to do. Dwight Powell (ESPN). They don't own their first round pick next year-- so if they could sign Rozier and Morris long term-- it would be a significant improvement to their team.

    CON- Powell is under contract for only two years. Powell may be an upgrade over Morris at power forward-- but is he enough of an upgrade to merit throwing in Rozier.

    Also-- Dallas already has Dennis Smith Jr. (ESPN), Luka Doncic (ESPN) & Wesley Matthews so Rozier while an improvement, does not fill a desperate need.

  • Phoenix Suns

    PRO- Ironically, a few years ago the Suns gave away Isiah Thomas cheep because they could not find minutes for him. Now they are desperate for a point guard to play opposite Booker.

    CON- Who do they have to give back to the Celtics. The one guy who kind of makes sense talent wise is Josh Jackson (ESPN). But why would the Celtics trade their 2nd point guard and 3rd forward for a guy who--
    1. Would be their 4th to 6th small forward.
    2. Stiffed the team in the 2017 draft.
    3. Plays a position which is the strength of next years draft.

    Dragan Bender (ESPN) could add a skill set the Celtics do not currently have. Is young and under contract for a bit. But is the kind of player you add if you have time for him to develop. Which the Celtics don't have.

  • LA Clippers

    PRO-- Morris and Rozier seem like they would be perfect Avery Johnson type players.

    CON- The Clippers have A.Beverly, M. Teodosic, S. Gilgeous-Alexander and T. Wallace at point guard with A. Bradley and L. Williams and rookie J. Robinson at shooting guard. They do not have either a short term or long term need for Rozier. Morris is a bit better of a fit.

    What do the Clippers have to give the Celtics back? Teodosic or Beverly are good players but are downgrades from Rozier. Lou Williams makes some sense-- but again he would be the Celtics 4th shooting guard.

  • Minnesota Timberwolves

    PRO- Tom Thibodeau is in a win now mode and hates playing rookies. Morris and Rozier both add considerably to the team. Minnesota has two players who would drastically improve the Celtics chances of winning a championship: Karl-Anthony Towns (ESPN) &

    TJimmy Butler (ESPN)owns gives Golden State fits. Which is not a bad thing.

    CON- Neither is a doable trade. Morris and Rozier are way too little for Towns. The Celtics could likely make up the difference with future draft picks. It would be hard to figure out how to keep Towns next year for the Celtics. It would be the kind of trade that would almost assure Thibodeau is fired.

    While Morris and Rozier may be the best that Minnesota could get in return for Butler. (They would be a huge upgrade over Josh Richardson and Dion Walters). But-- the Celtics would have to add in more to make the salaries match-- either Tatum or Brown.

  • San Antonio Spurs

    PRO: With recent injuries to Dejounte Murray (season ending) Lonnie Walker IV and Derrick Have created a void at San Antonio which Rozier would fill nicely. Morris would find minute.

    CON: The Spurs have very little they can give back this year that would help the Celtics. The only salary match is Davis Bertans-- who would just be a down grade from Morris. The Spurs are way too well run of an organization to have any of their future draft picks be of high value.

  • Memphis Grizzlies

    PRO: The Grizzlies are trying to make the playoffs-- believing that the Gasol / Conley window is still open.

    CON: Gasol would be nice addition for the Celtics-- but the Celtics would have to give up way too much in salary to be able to get him on the roster.

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