Monday, July 30, 2007

KG to the Celtics: Win-Win

KG from the T'wolves to the Celtics for a ton of young talent, with Al Jefferson as the centerpiece. This basically done deal is big enough -- and enough of a respite from the recent epidemic of woe afflicting sports and fans everywhere -- that it's worth its own p.m. post today:

I'm arguing it is win-win.

Win for the Celtics: If you were ever going to mortgage the future for a 3-5 year window, this is it. The East is wide open, especially next year. With a "Big Three" like KG, Pierce and Ray Allen, the Celtics suddenly have the best "Big Three" in the conference -- and a legit shot at the conference title (even if they have no shot at an NBA title). Again, the shorthand is this: If LeBron and spare change can win the East, then KG-PP-RA and spare change does that one better.

Win for the T'wolves: This team was desperate to move on and equally desperate to launch a youth movement that actually gives its fans hope through the lean times, looking toward a brighter future. Al Jefferson and Randy Foye form one of the best young big-small combos in the league. Gomes is solid. Green has potential. Telfair brings sizzle. Add in T'wolves draftee Brewer and rehabbing McCants, and if nothing else, the T'wolves can adapt to the entertaining up-tempo trend sweeping the league. (The only downside? They couldn't trade places with the Celtics and get into the East. Oh, and McHale is still GM.)

Here's why Minnesota nets out as the trade winner: Expectations. If the T'wolves are in the Lottery the next 3-5 years, fans can gleefully chalk it up to growth. As long as there is marginal improvement year over year, there is hope. If the Celtics don't win the East -- and, to be sure, it is no guarantee, even with KG -- the trade is a complete failure.

Perhaps even bigger: The NBA also is a winner: How relieved do you think David Stern is to change the story from Donaghy back to on-court topics like a blockbuster deal? Hmm: Do you think the league helped revive this deal in order to change the subject? I wouldn't put it past them. And I'd give them credit if they did.

-- D.S.

12 comments:

CMFost said...

this is the deal as it is currently reported by boston.com that might happen.

As the trade currently stands, the Celtics would send Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff and two first-round picks to the Timberwolves for Garnett.

Al Jefferson is not included in the deal at the moment.

If this is true, Danny should get this done as soon as possible. If you can get garnett without giving up Jefferson the Celtics maybe the best team in the east.

CMFost said...

Even though I do not 100% believe what the Boston Globe is reporting if it is true Danny Ainge might of pulled of the steal of the century. To get Garnett without giving up Jefferson is a complete steal even with Jefferson in the deal the Celtics are huge winners in the short term, the next 2-3 years

The Mark Show said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
The Mark Show said...

Well that didn't last long...

Al Jefferson is back in the trade talks between the Celtics and Timberwolves.

As the trade currently stands, the Celtics would send Jefferson, Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff, and two first-round picks to the Timberwolves for Kevin Garnett.

Clinton (Indianapolis) said...

BREAKING NEWS from MSNBC: Former 49ers coach Bill Walsh has died after a long battle with leukemia. He was 75.

CMFost said...

Sad day for the NFL. RIP Bill Walsh

RevScottDeMangeMD said...

Very sad...I am going to go home and play Bill Walsh College Football in honor of him. Florida State Hail Mary was unstoppable. He also had ties to the Bengals...a very good man.

Perks said...

very sad day with coach walsh.

Unknown said...

If Danny Ainge is able to pull this off without giving up Jefferson then Kevin Mchale is officially the worst GM in sports...two first round picks that basically will equate to nothing because Boston will be winning consistently with a lineup of Jefferson, KG, Allen, and Pierce...it would amaze me if Jefferson isn't the key part of this sale

Joey said...

If McHale doesn't get Jefferson we may need a new rule called the McHale rule like the Stepian rule.

Brian in Oxford said...

At least the Celtics can MATTER again....now let's work on the Bruins :)

Unknown said...

Dan, you are so wrong... Celtics win it all w/KG
East wins 3 of last 5 titles... chew on that