Celtics Mailbag: What could Boston offer LeBron James in free agency?

The Celtics offseason will have plenty of paths for Brad Stevens to consider in the weeks and months ahead. There are plenty of questions about these options this week from mailbag readers so let’s tackle of a few of the possibilities.

A lot of talk this week about LeBron James’ future. Is there a world in which he could look at Boston? What could Brad Stevens realistically offer him? — Larry

James will be one of the bigger wildcards in free agency with the Lakers potentially looking to pivot to a younger supporting cast around Luka Doncic. However, it’s hard to consider a world where James would consider Boston, even with the possibility of contending being on the table. The Celtics could only offer him their mid-level exception ($15 million) in free agency. They do have a $27 million TPE but that would require a sign-and-trade deal, which would mean the Celtics would need to sweeten the pot for some help from the Lakers to get a deal done. Realistically, it’s hard to envision James joining his longtime rivals when a reunion in Cleveland or another Western Conference team could be on the table offering more money.

Who says no? Obi Toppin for Sam Hauser and a second? — Matt D

That’s a creative idea. Toppin just finished up an injury riddled season on a tanking Pacers squad but has obviously found his footing there and was a crucial contributor in their playoff runs during the prior two seasons. He would be someone who could help put some pressure on the rim with pick-and-rolls while also still stretching the floor. The problem for the Celtics is that the Pacers know this too and probably aren’t going to be willing to move him for another wing reserve. Toppin isn’t much of a defender and makes a little bit more than Boston probably wants to pay him with their other payroll obligations ($15 million) but he’s a better big than a lot of alternatives on the free agent market. My guess is the Pacers say no to this one but it’s an offer that would make both teams think about it.

Hey Brian – for your next mailbag or at your leisure, the trade works according to Spotrac:

Celtics receive:

Giannis, Portis, Strawther, Green (+ picks?)

Bucks receive:

Hauser, Hugo, Gordon, Cam Johnson + Celtics 1st round pick #27 + Denver 1st round pick #26 (+ additional picks?)

Denver receives:

JB (+picks?)

Celtics starting lineup:

Giannis, Portis, Tatum, White, Pritchard

Celtics bench:

Walsh, Scheriman, Green, Strawther, Garza, Queta…Vuc?…

Great reports from Masslive, love the pod, Thanks!

Thanks!

Graeme S

The Bucks come out with the very short end of the stick in this kind of offer. There are just no young building blocks in that offer or elite draft picks. The Bucks will be looking for both of those things so they can’t consider moving Giannis without getting at least one of those.

Hey Brian, if they don’t go after Giannis, who are realistic big man upgrade options given our financial goals? — Frank S

It’s not a very impressive list at this point. Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams are probably the two best of the bunch but their respective teams can offer them more than Boston. If the Knicks make the Finals, it’s hard to envision them letting Robinson walk for mid-level money. Williams is an interesting case given his injury history in a crowded Blazers frontcourt but he played very well for them in the playoffs. Cheaper options would include Mo Wagner or Zach Collins but those aren’t anything beyond decent backup options. The Celtics may need to look for trades if the top possibilities on this list come off the board.

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