Report: Celtics "repeatedly" shopping Courtney Lee in trade talks
In terms of those 108 offseason signees who become trade-eligible Saturday, at least three names are coming up repeatedly on the personnel grapevine: Indiana's D.J. Augustin, Phoenix's Michael Beasley and Boston's Courtney Lee. There's a reason for that, though: All three are seriously struggling.
I guess this shouldn't come as that much of a shock. I like Lee more than most and I have the utmost confidence that his jumper will come back around, but you have to give something to get something. Most objective observers know that the Celtics do need to make a pretty big move to be legit contenders for the championship this season. The Celtics have the worst defense in the league when KG is on the bench. KG can't play 48 minutes a night and asking him to play 30 at his age is pushing it.
Based on contracts the Celtics have the following players other teams might want in trades: Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jason Terry, Avery Bradley, Jared Sullinger, Leandro Barbosa, and possibly Courtney Lee. Obviously the majority of those players would never get traded. So the only names the Celtics could dangle are Bradley, Sullinger, and Lee.
Bradley is the most valuable, while Sullinger holds pretty good value as well. But these are two guys the Celtics value highly too (as they should). Not sure what the Celtics are asking for for Lee. Since he's slumping he really doesn't have much value. Maybe Ainge is offering him for other teams' big men who are also struggling. The shooting guard position is a position of depth strength for the Celtics, so once Bradely comes back, don't be surprised to see a guard on the move.
Expect the Celtics to deny they are shopping Lee if they are even asked. GM's do have conversations all the time, so I don't doubt that Ainge has floated Lee's name.
What are your thoughts on Lee's Celtics future?