A trade for the Lakers' star is not a wrong move. In return, the Lakers will offer up everything they have to get Leonard, including draft picks. However, Boston has pieces to offer, and it has the best possible package. After all, Ainge has been a great trade negotiator, netting other NBA superstars like Kevin Garnett and Kyrie Irving.
Boston's ownership believes that a deal with New Orleans will bring more than just one starter and a pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. On the other hand, the Lakers will get a top-tier package from Boston, including a first-round pick and a starting point guard. If the situation drags out and Boston doesn't make a deal, it could lose its core.
The Boston Celtics were once thought to be the Eastern Conference kings. However, they were left without a superstar after Kyrie Irving announced his desire to sign a long-term deal. The Celtics would have had to shell out a massive salary to keep the superstar. After all, it would not have made sense for Boston to trade Jayson Tatum for Leonard, as the team would have had to pay him an astronomical salary.
Last summer, the Celtics had an opportunity to trade for Leonard but passed. Boston was afraid to lose both Kyrie Irving and Kawhi to free agency. However, it is a dangling carrot, and if they do make the trade, they could salvage their future. The Celtics could have a different season with Leonard in Boston. Despite their uncertainty, they can't lose.
While Kawhi Leonard has unquestionable talent, Tatum has an enormous upside. The Celtics should get their hands on Tatum, who will be a good fit for Gregg Popovich's style of play. If they do, Jayson Tatum will be untouchable. But if the Spurs do not make the trade, they won't get the best deal.
Another possible option would be to trade Brown for Leonard. While the NBA hasn't decided who will replace Tatum, a trade with Brown would make sense. Brown is an athletic wing with a high level of intelligence and a work ethic to raise his skill level. Adding Brown would give the Celtics a better shot at landing Leonard. Ainge would likely make a counter offer to get Leonard, but it's not likely to happen without Tatum.
If Tatum goes for Leonard, the trade can't be a bad deal for the Celtics. Tatum's talent and development will be vital for Boston. Last season, he was an All-Star, made one All-NBA team, and made two NBA Conference Finals. However, he is still a young player with potential. The trade should be an upgrade for both teams, but it won't be easy to make the deal.
Should the Celtics trade Jayson Tatum to get Kawhi Leonard? If the Raptors are looking for a star, they should consider the long-term. Tatum is a better passer than most players in the NBA. There are plenty of reasons to believe this. The most apparent reason is Tatum's playmaking. Tatum has become an excellent passer over the past year.
A potential trade package for Leonard would include Jaylen Brown. Both players are good, but Tatum and Brown are in different phases of their development. While Leonard is in his prime, Brown and Tatum are in their early stages. For details on this topic, Visit our website USA News Every Day. All three players can play any wing position and would share the floor with Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, and Al Horford.
Boston can't trade Davis until this summer due to the "Rose Rule." However, the Pelicans can still accept the Lakers' offer later in the offseason. They could also use Tatum as a centrepiece for a Pelican's package. Besides Tatum, the Celtics have other talented young players to choose from. The best deal is one in which both sides win.
If the Celtics trade Tatum for Kawhi Leonard, they could have a banner contender. The key is to get Kawhi Leonard healthy first. The Celtics will be unable to do that if Leonard is hurt or injured. The 27-year-old has missed almost every game this season, and the Lakers' free-agent deal with LeBron James and Paul George will put their team in a position where they can try to negotiate a trade.
