We have an opportunity for you to hit us up with your questions in this, our weekly mailbag feature. Have a question regarding player movement, the salary cap or the NBA draft? Drop us a line at HoopsRumorsMailbag@Gmail.com.
Do you think the Celtics should focus on their young core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier, etc., plus three first-round picks rather luring Anthony Davis? Remember they almost made it to NBA Finals last season even without Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward? — Greg Dizon
A lot has changed at the top of the East in the past year. The Bucks added more shooting around Giannis Antetokounmpo and steamrolled the Celtics in the conference semifinals, the Raptors brought in Kawhi Leonard, who led them to their first NBA Finals appearance, and the Sixers traded for Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris to form one of the best starting fives in the league. Although more change is likely coming this summer, Boston can no longer count on building a contender around its young players, especially when all are coming off less-than-stellar seasons. Whether Irving leaves or not, the Celtics will need more elite talent to compete for the Eastern Conference crown, and Davis looks like the easiest piece to add.
What are the chances of a sign and trade of Irving? — MERCalomaniac, via Twitter
It’s always a possibility, but the teams rumored to be pursuing Irving — the Knicks, Nets, Clippers and Lakers — all have enough cap space to sign him outright. And most of those teams can either offer two max deals or are a roster tweak or two away from getting there. They may not see the need to send players to Boston when they can already fit Irving on the roster. The Celtics also need to be careful about taking back future salary. Their cap room will be limited if Al Horford opts into a $30.1MM salary for next season. In addition, Marcus Morris and Rozier will both be free agents and Brown will be eligible for an extension this summer. A sign-and-trade is probably the least likely outcome for Irving.
Will Carsen Edwards fall to the Sixers? — Kevin, via Twitter
Edwards is ranked 34th in the latest ESPN Top 100, so unless he has an outstanding performance in pre-draft workouts, he may be on the board not only for their first-round pick at No. 24, but also for their two early second-round selections. Edwards was great in the NBA tournament, but questions about his defense and size have kept him from rising up draft boards.
Celtics not mortgaging future for one year rental of AD. Kyrie the cancer should be allowed to walk. Lots of draft picks. Let the coach develop them. Go get Tacko…change the dynamic. They don’t have great 3 shooters….play inside out. Fun to watch.