"We're not tanking." That is the message Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge is sending to the players. However, it is unclear exactly what the statement means. Does not tanking still include trading Rajon Rondo, because he has been unclear about that? Does not tanking mean trading away expiring contracts? After Kris Humphries, Gerald Wallace, MarShon Brooks and Keith Bogans were introduced to local Boston media, Ainge is already reportedly seeking trades for the players.
Both Wallace and Humphries are already up on the trading block after being acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in the trade for Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. While Ainge continues to remain vague on the two veteran's futures, the Boston Herald reports the general manager will do his best to send both packing.
Wallace and Humphries are to most likely trade candidates because of their current contracts. Wallace is set to be Boston's third-highest earner, making over $10 million. He would serve as the highest paid backup forward in the league as Jeff Green is expected to pick up where he left off last season. Humphries joins a crowded power-forward slot. His $12 million contract would be the highest salary on the roster and with is contract set to expire in a season, he is likely the first to go.
Humphries has had conversations with Ainge about his future in Boston. While he said Ainge promised he will not be traded, Humphries understands the league is business and nothing is guaranteed. Trading both players will be difficult as neither are real standouts in the league. Wallace is set to turn 31 and struggled most of last year. He makes brief and sporadic impacts. Humphries is the better of the two as he can always be counted on to throw up the occasional double-double with the right amount of playing time.
The Charlotte Bobcats could be the best chance the Celtics have of at least getting rid of Humphries. The team was interested in Humphries back during last season's trade deadline. Michael Jordan is looking to get rid of guard Ben Gordon. The Celtics were once interest in Ben Gordon, originally offering up Pierce and Avery Bradley for him, so could this match work? Gordon will make $13.2 million in the final year of his contract and if Boston is dumping Humphries because of money, they will not take a deal with a contract worth a million more.
However, Ainge could wrap in another player to the deal and get rid of two contracts for Gordon. Brandon Bass is making $6.4 million and is a good target. Newly acquired Bogans should be considered as well. Gordon is an affordable big man.
If will be interesting to see how Ainge goes about not tanking this season. Anything is really possible at this point.
