BlakeJesus

So are we content with being a middle of the road overachieving playoff team who struggles to win a series? I can't imagine that's the end goal, but it seems like that's our destiny again this season unless something happens.

We've won too many games to tank, but I do wonder if we should try and make a move that improves our future in some capacity. Package up one of these guards we have and a 1st and try to get a young player to add to the core. Obviously not expecting to land Eric Bledsoe or anything, but I have to imagine there is a young guy not getting burn somewhere that we could use.

Or (and I think this is the real gameplan) do we just sit on our hands and hope we can sign Dwight and that means Josh stays? I would prefer to be proactive if at all possible, but it's tough to really say what the market is for our guys.

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R-Star

I see them just sitting which is sad. Atlanta is a team I'd fear to play against in the playoffs, but at the same time could never see them going far.

It reminds me of the teams that play just good enough to be a 2nd round threat every year, and thus never get good enough draft picks to improve through picks.

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BlakeJesus

I think they could be really dangerous if they rounded out the rotation a bit more, and I don't even know if it would be all that hard. Andrea Bargnani isn't exactly a guy I'd expect to save anybody's season, but I think he'd add two major things to the team that could really help. Height and extra three point shooting. He's having a very down season too, so I don't even know if he would be all that expensive.

Trade some expirings and our late 1st for him and who knows, maybe adding a dynamic like that on the cheap (and Bargs could even play off of the bench) could make a bigger impact here than it would other places.

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RollWithEm

The gameplan is similar to that of the Mavericks this season. The Hawks have only $22 mil in committed salary (not counting Josh) for next season. I think they are going to make a play for Chris Paul to right the wrong they made drafting Marvin Williams in the first place. If not Paul, Big Al Jefferson could also be an intriguing option with Josh and Horford moving back to their natural positions. Andre Iguodala will also be on the market. Guys like OJ Mayo, Kevin Martin, Paul Millsap, and possibly even Andrew Bynum and/or Dwight Howard will also be out there.

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But that's just me.

Bogg

There's not a ton to be had out there that's going to make a huge difference right away. Granger and Gay are available, Bargnani is being shopped, Pau can be had, and there are always one or two guys that nobody knows are available that get moved, but I think this summer is when Atlanta should make their move. It's not sexy to say, but I don't think there's a home-run out there.

R-Star

I think that's how it is, but it makes me feel bad for them. I can see them being the odd man out and then over paying for a guy like Mayo to just keep the status quo.

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R-Star

Bargnani could be an interesting fit.

I don't see him taking them to the next level, but then again I don't see the Hawks enough to know if a stretch 4-5 is the answer.

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Bogg

I believe we've floated the idea of a trade built around Horford and Rondo in the Celtics forum that could make sense for both teams, especially if you think that Paul sticks around in LA (which is looking more and more likely).

BlakeJesus

Is this implying that Josh is naturally a SF? I would highly disagree with that, he's a PF to the core. That's not to say he's a traditional or orthodox PF, but it's his best position by a longshot nonetheless.

I would be happy with nabbing Chris Paul, but that's even more of a pipedream than getting Dwight. Paul is killing it on the Clippers, they are one of the best teams in the league, and LA is a major market (not to mention probably a nice place to live). He has all the freedom he wants there, and he's putting it to good use. I think he's found his home, I don't see any realistic scenario where he goes somewhere else.

I do also believe that the money you're referring to is not taking into consideration Jeff Teague either, I believe he is an RFA this summer.

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R-Star

Would the Celtics do Rondo for Horford? Because if they would and I'm Atlanta I'm doing that in a second.

Then you try to pick up one of Utahs big men in the offseason and you have a real strong looking team going into next season. On paper anyways.

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BlakeJesus

I also agree that's a deal I would be happy to do, would also give you the freedom to move around some of the guards to nab somebody now (or at least a body). Flip Teague for something, or Devin Harris' big expiring. It would be nice to keep Lou Will though, I could see him and Rondo having fun.

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R-Star

Could do the Rondo deal, and the package Harris's expiring with a pick for Barg's.

Something like that.

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ATLien

Be bad enough next year to get a top 5 pick. Be bad enough in 2015 to get a top 10 pick. Be bad enough in 2016 to get a top 15 pick. Hope one of them is a superstar, and at least one other is an all-star. If draft picks do not pan out, then rinse repeat until it happens.

RollWithEm

I knew there was a 90% chance you were going to point out this point. You and I have argued over this for years. I think he's more valuable at the 3-spot if you have a post-up 5 man like Big Al and a pick-and-pop 4-man like Horford.

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But that's just me.

Bogg

I don't know what you would have to add to them, on both ends, because a straight-up swap leaves both teams unbalanced. However, Boston has a big hole at power forward and an old team that isn't a great match for Rondo's fast-break abilities. If you combine Rondo/Sullinger and Horford/Lou Williams and flesh it out with some minor picks and players you might make both teams better going forward.