NBA Trade Rumors: The Boston Celtics Are Guilty Of “Overvaluing” Their Players

Over the past couple of weeks, I have heard NBA trade rumors that have involved Jeff Green, Avery Bradley, and Brandon Bass.

Feb 10, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Boston Celtics forward Brandon Bass (30) holds his eye as he walks off the court with Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens (left) and forward Jeff Green (8) (right) during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Lately, Bass is the man whose name I hear the most, and now I think I finally know why.

According to Sports Illustrated writer Chris Mannix, who talked to WEEI’s Dennis & Callahan yesterday, Boston is probably having a hard time finding takers for Green and Bradley because the franchise is guilty of overvaluing its players:

"I’ve had conversations with a couple of different general managers last night, and we talked a little bit about Boston and what they were trying to do at the trade deadline, and the sense I got from them was that Boston is totally overvaluing some of the players they have. They’re looking for first-round picks in return for guys like Jeff Green or a guy like Avery Bradley and others and they’re just not going to get it."

I appreciate the fact that President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge does not want to give away talent for next-to-nothing, but if he seriously believes that Green or Bradley are worth first-round picks, the Celtics are not going to be on the sidelines watching while other NBA teams make moves in the days and hours leading up to the trade deadline.  Green is way too inconsistent a player to demand anything more than a second round pick for, given that he is just as likely to score under ten points as he is to drop 20+.  Everyone in the NBA knows that Green is a third option at best, and third options don’t get you first round draft picks.

Jan 19, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic shooting guard Victor Oladipo (5) dribbles the ball as Boston Celtics point guard Avery Bradley (0) defends during the second quarter at Amway Center. Orlando Magic won 93-91. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

As for Bradley, I would prefer that the Celtics keep him, as he is one of the best on-the-ball defenders in the NBA and has greatly improved his offense.  No, he’s not worth a fist-round pick either, but he is more consistent, so the Celtics know what they are going to get from him every night, on both ends of the court.  I’m perfectly okay with Boston rebuilding with Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, and Jared Sullinger as 3/5 of next year’s starting lineup, so keep asking too much for Bradley, Trader Danny!  He should be staying put anyway.