Jeff Green, who has been dogged by criticism for not being a consistent player, is off to a surprisingly strong start for the Boston Celtics in the young season. The 6-foot-9 forward is leading the team in both scoring, at 18.4 points, and minutes played at 35.3 minutes per game. In fact, he is playing at a level that if he were to opt out of his contract at the end of this season, he would be among the more sought-after free agents - even more sought after than his teammate and soon to be unrestricted free agent Rajon Rondo according to A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com:
A league executive told CSNNE.com on Saturday that the market for Green is as strong, "if not stronger", than it is for Rajon Rondo, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
"They're two totally different players and their roles with a team are different, too," he said. "But Green can do a lot of things to help just about any team, as long as you're not making him the guy you build around. Green's the guy you add to the guy you're trying to build around."
After the Celtics got demolished by the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, the team's fourth loss in the last five games, Green described the frustration level to Comcast SportsNet New England's Abby Chin as "All-time high". Maybe its time for the 28 year old Green to take his versatility to good use by signing to a team that is one piece away from getting better or even contending? Jeff Clark of Celtics Blog believes that its possible:
I don't think anything is imminent, but I wouldn't sleep on these early trade rumors either. Teams have had a chance to see how their summer moves have worked out and they've identified needs and wants. Some teams have under-performed and need a guy or two to put them back on track. Others feel like they have an opportunity and are a piece away from contending. Some contenders might feel like they have a weakness that they could shore up with the right move.
Bottom line: Teams are going to come calling about some of our players and I think Danny Ainge will be very open to those conversations. It just becomes a matter of what price he's willing to take.
The Chicago Bulls are reportedly among the potential trade suitors for Green. While the team has been off to a good start early in the season and is satisfied with the roster, moves involving Taj Gibson and/or Doug Mcdermott could be made down the line if Rose continues to go down with injuries according to Marc Stein of ESPN, via the Sports World Report.
The market was extremely generous for Chandler Parsons and Gordon Hayward this summer. Both posses the same versatility in the small forward position as Jeff Green that is why it would not be a surprise if Green ends up getting insane offers from other teams next summer when he opts out of his contract. The Celtics would be wise to trade him this season for the right price rather than enter a bidding war next summer.
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