>I think that the fit is not there for them to progress to the
>next level.

Tatum is 22. Brown is 24. Both signed through 2024, Tatum signed through 2025. There is no reason to sell on either of them. Especially for two *worse* players, both of whom are on expiring deals. Like... that suggestion, even disregarding fit, is bonkers, lol.

Furthermore, the idea that Tatum and Brown are the ones who don't "fit" into Stevens's switch everything, wing-oriented offense... is really strange. Their entire scheme is built around the fact that they fit what Stevens wants to do so well. He wants four players on the perimeter who can create for themselves and others while also, perhaps most importantly, credibly switching everything on defense. Tatum and Brown are perfect for this scheme.

If anyone on the floor doesn't fit, it's honestly Kemba. He can't credibly switch on defense against wings or bigger players. The ideal fit for Stevens's system here is a taller guard. Kemba's very good, but he's 6 feet and 185 lbs, and we saw him struggle when teams targeted him (much like they did Kyrie and Rozier) on the switches in the pick and roll last playoffs. Stevens's ideal point guard is someone like Malcolm Brogdon or maybe Jrue Holiday-- someone who can shoot and distribute well enough but who can also capably defend through all those switches. If we're looking for a reason why Stevens can't break through to the Finals, it's because every PG he plays-- Walker, Rozier, Kyrie, Lil Zeke-- is too small to defend on switches. So if we're trying to solve fit, that's honestly the place to start. (Also, he's already 30, and he's only signed through next season, so when looking for players to trade, he fits the profile.)

Furthermore, Lauri's just a terrible fit for Stevens. Does Lauri play the 5 in this proposed scheme? A Kemba/Smart/Brown/Porter/Lauri lineup? Stevens wants a burly 5 to set hard screens, goon in the paint, and switch reasonably onto perimeter players-- so guys like Thompson, Theis, Grant Williams, they all make sense. Lauri isn't good at any of the things Stevens wants big men to do. And if the goal is to make Lauri a 4, that might be worse, because on top of having to defend even more perimeter players, which Lauri can't do, Stevens wants four guys on the outside who can all make plays for themselves and others, and Lauri has one of the lowest assist rates in the league for guys with such a high usage. He'd immediately be one of the worst passers on the roster.

You may be right that making a move is a good idea for the Celtics-- although making the ECF three out of four seasons with stars that still haven't entered their prime doesn't necessitate panic either-- but you don't move your two guys who (a) are both under 25, (b) are both signed to long term deals, and (c) are both absolutely perfect for the coach's scheme.