There are some new, interesting rumors floating around the internet regarding the Boston Celtics’ activity in both the free agent and trade market. The trade rumor comes from Hacksaw of AM 570 KLAC:
The Boston Celtics have approached the Lakers about a deal for young backup forward Trevor Ariza.
Ariza would be an interesting pickup, as he is young, very long, athletic, and a skilled defensive player. In his Orlando days, if you remember, Ariza was always the guy that gave Paul Pierce some problems with his defensive activity and length. He could certainly fill a role for this team coming off the bench, and he would financially make sense as well, as his contract comes off the books next summer.
However, trying to break down a trade scenario involving this Boston Celtics team is one tough task. Would this hypothetical Ariza deal call for a sign-and-trade involving Eddie House? Tony Allen? With Ronny Turiaf leaving for Golden State, could the Lakers be interested in Leon Powe and/or Glen “Big Baby” Davis? No matter how legitimate this rumor may or may not be, it’s an intriguing tidbit to think about.
Hacksaw also mentions some other names that the Celtics have shown interest in:
The Boston Celtics, who lost James Posey, are talking to free agents Maurice Evans of Orlando, Matt Barnes of Golden State, and Ryan Gomes of Minnesota.
UPDATE: Barnes is reportedly close to signing with Phoenix, so scratch him off the chalk board. One year at the minimum, too. Figures.
Finally, Jessica Camerato of HOOPSWORLD sheds some light on the possibility of bringing in Mavericks free agent swingman Devean George.
Just a month after winning their 17th NBA Championship, the Boston Celtics suddenly looked vulnerable after losing swingman James Posey to the New Orleans Hornets. After refusing to tack on a fourth year to Posey’s contract, the Cs are in the hunt to find another athletic perimeter player to come off the bench. According to the Dallas Morning News, Devean George could be their guy.
George, an unrestricted free agent, has reportedly garnered interest from the Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Phoenix Suns, and San Antonio Spurs. The Mavericks could also re-sign George for more than a minimum contract since he was on the team last season, but word is Mavericks president Donnie Nelson isn’t banking on bringing him back.
Like Posey, George doesn’t demand major minutes and has championship experience — he was a reserve on three consecutive Los Angeles Lakers title teams. He also shares the same agent as Posey, Mark Bartelstein.
The question is, though, how would George fit into the Celtics strong chemistry? A key to their success was selflessness and George created a reputation for himself when he initially blocked the Jason Kidd trade to preserve his Bird Rights. Playing for a championship squad is a different story than going to a lottery team, and the Celtics have to find a replacement for the coveted sixth man spot before the free agent market thins out.
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July 21st, 2008 at 5:29 am
[...] New Free Agent & Trade RumorsThe Boston Celtics, who lost James Posey, are talking to free agents Maurice Evans of Orlando, Matt Barnes of Golden State, and Ryan Gomes of Minnesota. Finally, Jessica Camerato of HOOPSWORLD sheds some light on the possibility of … [...]
July 21st, 2008 at 7:46 am
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