Teams in a money crunch aren’t trading their cheapest salary guys.
Game Thread Dec 30, 2025 07:00PM MT: Boston Celtics @ Utah Jazz
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Teams in a money crunch aren’t trading their cheapest salary guys.
That’s why I was thinking Simons + draft compensation.
This would be the route they go to shave salary.
They are trading Simons....
And losing their cheapest salary guys while doing it. Established low salary players are like gold for competitive teams. Hugo and Walsh aren’t just important for this year but going forward as well.
Trading draft picks to get off of Simons is much more realistic than Hugo/Walsh. Zero chance we’re getting those two in this type of deal.
Yeah they aren't getting those two, they are getting one of those two.
I'm sure you're right they will explore ways not to, but the repeater tax is bad and they will want to avoid it and might not have a choice and getting Nurk at least improves them this season
I totally understand the Simins-Nurkic and why it benefits Boston. You’re just not going to get Walsh or Hugo as the incentive. They’d move draft picks, not Walsh or Hugo.
And if they can't get the deal for pick(s) they just take the tax hit?
That’s why a young guy swap makes sense like Sensabaugh for Hugo.
The Celtics have only traded one of their future first rounds picks. You're telling me that Hugo or Walsh has more value than all of their draft capital?
Yeah, I think it makes sense. Maybe Utah would have to add in some 2nds, but I don't think it's a non-starter. Of course they will want to explore other options, but none may present themselves.
As Jazz fans we know how hard it is to find deals for guys like Simons at their salary figure. Nurk would make them a better team overall as another rotation big.
Nets could swap Simons/Mann, but does Boston want to be attached to Mann's long-term salary?
Just doing a quick glance at potential trades, Jazz are in a bit of a unique position to be able to offer them an expiring salary (Nurkic) that also addresses one of their roster holes (backup 5) while being able to take them out of the tax.
Walsh is a good example of the value of being patient with young guys. He was unplayable offensively his first two years.
Walsh is on a different level defensively than Cody, but is still a good model for what we might be able to hope for.
Walsh is on a different level defensively than Cody, but is still a good model for what we might be able to hope for.
Nah, that Mann contract is gross. Still has two years at 15.5M and 16M left. It would take them out of the tax but not sure it’s worth it to have that extra money when Simons contract expires this season anyways.
I said if they cant get a deal centered around picks what do they do. (bolded it for you so you dont miss it this time)They might value their future first more than Hugo or Walsh. Walsh is due for a new contract at the end of the next season and will be a UFA. I would guess they value Hugo more than Walsh just based off that. I would also guess they value their future first more than Walsh given they will have a star coming off an achilles tear and will probably want some pick security in case things go south.
There's no reason to help the Celtics get out of the tax just for some 2nd round picks IMO. I would rather just waive Nurk if they want to tank by not having Nurk, so the Celtics would have to make it worth something for the Jazz and I doubt they would give up a first unless it just something that revolves around future swaps.
I dont think he's that different defensively than Cody (at least 1 on 1) but he's way more active everywhere else and doesnt have a broken jumper.
What scenario exists where they can't get it done with picks but they can with Walsh or Hugo? That's the unrealistic part. Walsh and Hugo mean more to BOS than any other team.
I guess the other option for the Celtics would be getting off Hauser. The Jazz and Nets can both straight up trade for Hauser without sending anything back.
Why exactly would we do that though?
Didnt know you had the inside scoop on the Boston's FO priorities of their assets. Good to know.
Hauser is really good imo. He's having a bad year, but he's a shooter who isnt awful on defense and he's on a fair contract.