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View Full Version : The Celtics supposedly could have traded Brown and Smart for Kawhi in 2018.


Kblaze8855
12-31-2021, 04:49 PM
Have the Celtics overplayed their hand when it comes to Brown and Smart? While both players continue to be a hot commodity on the trade market, their shine has appeared to lessen to some degree this season. However back in 2018, the two could have been reportedly packaged in a deal to acquire one of basketball’s very best in Kawhi Leonard, per Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix (https://twitter.com/SIChrisMannix?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Ese rp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor).

“They could have made a deal for Kawhi Leonard — my understanding, from kind of both sides of this—involving Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart,” said Mannix, (via NBC Sports (https://nba.nbcsports.com/2019/06/07/report-celtics-could-have-traded-jaylen-brown-to-spurs-as-centerpiece-for-kawhi-leonard/)). “At least Jaylen Brown as the centerpiece of it all.”
Boston’s decision not to pull the trigger had Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2951910-ben-simmons-for-james-harden-and-recent-dream-nba-trades-that-never-happened) wondering “what could have been,” highlighting the failed blockbuster among the “Recent Dream NBA Trades That Never Happened”:


With his injury history and current situation compared to Brown reaching low end all star status plus Smart? You could argue it either way I guess going forward. Not like that 2019 title would have been a lock but Kawhi, Kyrie, and Tatum would have been a tough out. But he wasn’t signed long term either.

I can see why you hesitate at least.
Real Men Wear Green
12-31-2021, 05:50 PM
It would be worth it if Irving and Leonard committed. They most likely don't.
Kawhi_Why_Not
12-31-2021, 05:54 PM
Kawhi may or may not stay in boston. I would say he thinks of Tatum as a bigger star then anybody on that raptors team, so is it possible.

I would prefer tatum over george as his wingman due to age as well.

Celtics got destroyed by the bucks in 2019 though despite having irving.
Spurs m8
12-31-2021, 05:54 PM
Yeah was always a 1 year rental...unless you're an LA team
Spurs m8
12-31-2021, 05:55 PM
Kawhi may or may not stay in boston. I would say he thinks of Tatum as a bigger star then anybody on that raptors team, so is it possible.

I would prefer tatum over george as his wingman due to age as well.

Celtics got destroyed by the bucks in 2019 though despite having irving.

The fact you say he may or may not have stayed in Boston, tells me everything I need to know about your knowledge.

Thanks
Hey Yo
12-31-2021, 05:56 PM
Yeah, no chance Kawhit signs a deal with Boston after that season.
Mask the Embiid
12-31-2021, 06:04 PM
Treasure trove of assets :oldlol:
FultzNationRISE
12-31-2021, 06:23 PM
Right decision at the time. It was clear Leonard was LA bound even then, and Irving/Leonard would not have won the 2019 chip. Irving only works with a guy like Lebron who is exceptional at getting the rest of the team involved as Irving does his iso stuff. Kawhi is mainly an iso guy himself, albeit an exceptionally efficient one, but he fit much better on those Raptors than he would with Kyrie “Flat” Earthling.
GrayGoat
12-31-2021, 07:10 PM
No title with Kawhi
Manny98
12-31-2021, 07:30 PM
Kyrie + Kawhi = instant championship

Where has keeping Brown got them? Currently the 10th seed in the East

https://media.giphy.com/media/Su0aljmbFVghW/giphy.gif
GrayGoat
12-31-2021, 08:01 PM
Kyrie + Kawhi = instant championship

Where has keeping Brown got them? Currently the 10th seed in the East

https://media.giphy.com/media/Su0aljmbFVghW/giphy.gif

Kawhi would not have won with that flawed team. So it’s a rental year of coming up short. That is a waste
bladefd
12-31-2021, 09:13 PM
It would be worth it if Irving and Leonard committed. They most likely don't.

It's not a trade you would do without long-term commitment upfront from both. Kyrie would have committed only if Kawhi had. Kawhi would not because his focus was always on LA. That means both are out. It's a 1yr rental.

Looking back in hindsight.. Even if somehow both committed, that trade would have probably failed for Boston. Kawhi can't stay healthy, Kyrie has also been in a similar boat for years. It's possible they could have gotten 1 chip out of it (the Raptors chip) then injuries would have ended them.