CELTICS GREEN BLOG by and for boston celtics fans: Random Thoughts on Who's Next

The Herald is reporting that Danny is investigating sign and trade scenarios.

Ainge’s summer isn’t finished, though. Though he declined to identify the next target, a league source said that the Celtics have been investigating sign-and-trade possibilities with other teams.

It is anyone's guess as to who Danny may be targeting in a trade. He is probably offering the expiring contracts of Tony and Scal to get it done, though. One name I have seen floating around is Travis Outlaw. Danny has liked him in the past and rumor is that he is available. He is 6'9" and just 24 years old. He is very athletic and brings a lot of energy. He is a good defender and has a nice shooting touch. He would be a great fit for the team if Danny could pull it off.

I have also seen a few rumblings of Danny making a trade to bring Posey bac, which wouldn't be all that bad a move since he is a great fit for the team and brings a lot to the table, but I don't see it happening.

As for the remaining free agents, Ime Udoka is one that Danny has shown interest in before and he may go after him again. Udoka is 6'6" and 31 years old. He is a good rebounder for his size and can defend. He is a versatile player and would also fill the need on the team.

Matt Barnes has been mentioned by many a Celtics fan as their choice for Pierce's back up. Barnes is 6'7" and can play the 3 or 4. He will bring energy off the bench will make the hustle plays. He is quick on defense and can hit the perimeter shot or can slash to the hoop. He would be a good fit on the team. Rumor is that Orlando is also interested in Barnes. I haven't seen Boston's name included in any rumors though.

Another name that has come up is Jerry Stackhouse, who was just released from the Grizzlies. He fits the bill of a 30 something (34, actually) veteran who would sign for the minimum to try to win a ring. He is 6'6" and a good scorer who is dangerous on isolation sets. He was a great athlete but has slowed down some. He has been known to be selfish early in his career but on a team like the Celtics would more than check his ego at the door and would be a good fit with the team.

Keith Bogans' name has been floated around. He is just 6'5" and doesn't have the height that the others have to guard the bigger 3's. He is a good athlete and a tough player and just 29 years old.

Bruce Bowen's name has also been mentioned. Bruce Bowen is one of the dirtiest players in the league and I know that Ray Allen for one doesn't like him because of a couple of dirty moves that Bowen made on him. He is one of the toughest defenders in the league, though and would give us that lock down defender that we have missed since Posey left. If you doubt that he is dirty, just go to You-Tube and put in Bruce Bowen and you will find dozens of videos of his dirty plays. It makes it really hard to like this guy.

Joey Graham is another name that I have seen mentioned. Graham is 6'7" and and 27 years old. He is strong and athletic, but doesn't really stand out for anything in particular. He would be a solid back up but wouldn't be my first choice.

There are others out there that Danny may be targeting, but these are the names I have seen mentioned most often. As I said in the opening paragraph, if he is looking at sign and trade offers, then it is anyone's guess who he is targeting. Hopefully he will get something done before too long before all the best players are snapped up by other teams.

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