ESPN Insiders’ Chad Ford and Kevin Pelton look at the Celtics options with the #3 pick. First up, trade speculation:
Ford: I don’t think a deal with Philadelphia for Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel is the answer. Kevin Love will be 28 years old before next season, so that’s not the right answer, in my view (assuming he’s even available).
DeMarcus Cousins is an intriguing option, although the Sacramento Kings haven’t been willing to move him yet and don’t appear to want more picks in place of established players. One deal that I would find intriguing for both sides? The No. 3 pick, Isaiah Thomas and Jonas Jerebko for Jimmy Butler.
Pelton: And I think the No. 3 and Thomas ($36.6 million net value on his bargain contract) for Butler ($48 million) is a bit much.
If I were Ainge, I might call the Denver Nuggets about their centers Nikola Jokic and Jusuf Nurkic. If Denver doesn’t believe they can play together, either would be an interesting prospect to add to the Celtics’ frontcourt. Nurkic for the No. 3 in a down draft probably would be reasonable value. Jokic would surely require additional return.
Are you as underwhelmed as I am?
First off, IT and the #3 pick is way too much for Jimmy Butler. I love Butler’s game but I’d veto that deal in a heartbeat. That last thing this team needs to do is trade away shooting.
I’m not that familiar with either of Denver’s promising young centers. Nikola Jokic is the better offensive player, Jusuf Nurkic is the better defensive player. The bottom line is … neither are going to speed up the rebuilding process. I’d lean for help on the defensive side.
I’m hoping Danny Ainge can come up with something better.
