If ever a draft screamed trade down, this is it.
Problem is, it's unlikely many teams want to give much to trade up...
True. I just don't think there is much difference, talent wise, between say, the 5-10 picks and the 15-20 picks. You may be able to get a veteran, playoff team to trade up to get a missing piece. Like a Kawi Leonard type of player for SA, for example.
Example, would Boston trade a Paul Pierce ( expiring contract?) and the 16 to PHX so Boston could reload with an Anthony Bennett with the 5 and maybe another player or 2?
disclaimer- totally off top of my head. No idea if this would even work ..cap wise..
Yeah you are probably right, and Danny Ainge is probably making those calls. The Celtics have been working out/interviewing some really high end prospects (including Noel), so you may be onto something as much as I kind of hate it.
More likely you are dealing Pierce + one of Bradley, Lee, Bass, Sullinger (though Bradley and Sullinger will be MUCH harder to pry away from Boston) + 16 for #5 and a couple of guys Phoenix thinks is overpriced (Beasley, Frye, Dudley, someone like that). As long as PHX is under the cap, I think Boston doesn't need to take equal salary back, and Pierce's 15/5 contract is very interesting.