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All is quiet on the Celtics trade rumor front… which could mean nothing because there’s no hint of actual talks… but also could mean everything because the Celtics are great at keeping secrets.
Whatever the actual case might be, Danny Ainge has let it be known, via the Globe, that he’d trade the holy grail Brooklyn pick this year for the right guy
The Celtics could have eight picks in next June’s draft, none more valuable than the unprotected first-round choice they will receive from the Nets. Brooklyn is currently tied with the Suns for the third-worst record in the NBA. Ainge said teams have inquired about that Brooklyn pick, and he understands its worth.
“We know it’s important, but it’s not untouchable, either,” Ainge said. “It’s important and it has value for us. It’s not the most important value. We have some players we value more than we value the Brooklyn pick.
“We’re listening to teams that call and ask us, whatever assets we may have. There are players we would trade the Brooklyn pick for, and many players that we wouldn’t.”
Like I’ve said before, my feeling is that the Nets pick is off the table for any 30-year-old targets who may become free agents (like Al Horford) but it’s in play for 25-ish year old players with years left on their deals (Blake Griffin? Gordon Hayward?)
There is the little matter of who might ACTUALLY be available. Horford seems to be the hottest of the rumors but beyond that, who knows. We discuss the possibilities at length on the latest Rainin’ J’s podcast. But it’s pretty clear that Ainge is sending a message to teams thinking long and hard about re-shaping their roster…. you can ask about the Nets pick. Ainge is listening.
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