Antoine for draft picks?

[esco33]

I agree that it is unlikely that Toine will be back with us next year, but I do think that it is rather interesting that Ainge has been particularly hush about the Toine situation. I mean we have heard rumors abound about possible sign and trades but nothing has happened yet. I think Ainge wants him back but at an affordable price, and in the end if it does not work out, Ainge can maybe trade him for draft picks, or whatever. The longer that time passes by, the more favorable it becomes for Ainge at getting Toine back at an affordable price.

As far as him accepting the role, I can definitely see that. We already saw a "new Toine" the second half of last season. He has said from the beginning that he wants to remain a Celtic. He loves Boston. He bonded well with the young guys. He has a history with Paul.

Here's what it comes down to:

Obviously, if some team approaches him with an enormous contract figure to be the star of the team, etc., etc, he will definitely do that.

But right now, there really isn't anything out there for him right now. So, it's either resign with the team that he enjoys playing for in a more limited role, or go to another team for the same amount of money, possibly even a losing team.

I don't think Ainge is taking the attitude with Toine as he did with Payton just plainly, he is not in our future plans.

Although, you never know with Ainge, he may just be trying to play the smart business man, and not show his hand yet to get the best possible deal. you never know with Ainge. (one thing I do like about him)

[meltinjohn]

Esco, true. That about Danny Ainge is a good thing a good gm should have. Not showing his hand and getting the best possible deal. Keeping quiet about things is something Rick Pitino wouldn't have done. He let everyone know what he was doing and earned the title of the worst gm in celtics history.

[eja117]

In terms of lottery protecting draft picks we have a ton of picks right now. i can wait. Detroit did that once and they ended up with the 2nd pick in a draft with L James, D Wade, C Bosh, and C Anthony. I think they picked someone else though

[Jambr380]

I don't think Darko is probably too upset about Larry Brown leaving detroit. Not that he is the next big thing, but maybe the next coach will work with him a little, or at least talk to him...

[Roadrunner]

Danny is not folding yet. Plus, there is no need to bash Walker. By now, the NBA team know what Walker's value is worth.

[DERRENMATTS]

Well, Walker's counterparts (SAR and Stromile Swift) got just above the MLE, so he's got to look at the market and realize that he can't ask for 8 million a year.

This plays into Ainge's hand. He can now offer Walker the same amount as the other 2, but demand that Walker change his game and accept a future diminishing role. Take it or leave it.

There are a couple of advantages of having Walker around. Jefferson did get some nastiness in his game once he played with Walker. That is a positive because Jefferson was being a nice guy most of the time. Another thing is that Walker can shoulder most of the spotlight and be the scapegoat, something no one else on the team wanted.

[ferbo]

Ditto.

[Deleted]

Do we even have the MLE to use on Walker?

[meltinjohn]

That was one good thing about Walker but its still not worth keeping him around for that. He has too many other negatives. The question is, will anyone besides Paul Pierce accept taking the heat for losing?

[celtics4ever]

Danny seems to be pushing us to running and better defenders. I think Twon's days are numbered. I just hope we can do a sign and trade to a PG rich team or for a young center. I am pretty happy with our youth and think we don't need more draft picks but you can never get enough of them.

[meltinjohn]

For the future especially you can't ever get enough picks.

[ferbo]

I think a piece of the MLE goes to Scal. My recollection is that DA was goign to split it to get a PF and a PG. Which is probably the reason he tried $1.6 mil. on the guard from Europe.

[meltinjohn]

This team will need all the help they can get.

[DERRENMATTS]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but don't we have the Bird rights, which allows us to sign our own free agent (Walker), even if we exceed our MLE?

[BCHISTORIAN]

yes you are right derren ;D