In this week’s Tank Rank column (Insider), ESPN’s Chad Ford examines which lower tier teams are making moves at the deadline. Here’s his take on the Celtics:
4. Boston Celtics | Status: ??? | Record: 19-35 (1-1)
No one can figure out exactly what GM Danny Ainge is trying to do right now. The two names most attached to the Celtics trade talk are Jeff Green and Brandon Bass, with Kris Humphries also being a possibility. It sounds less and less likely, however, that the Celtics will make a bigger move by the deadline. While Ainge can be unpredictable and may certainly alter his stance if a great offer comes in by Thursday, it looks like Rajon Rondoappears to be safely staying in Boston unless the Celtics can get multiple first-round picks for him. While Rondo certainly has value around the league, the price appears a bit too high at the moment.
The Celtics situation isn’t as fluid as everyone wants you to believe. Danny Ainge has 2 plans: 1) continue the tank and 2) make a blockbuster deal.
Tanking (or the status quo) remains the most likely option because there isn’t a blockbuster deal to be had. As John stated earlier, Rondo isn’t going anywhere unless Ainge gets a marquee player, 2 draft picks, and a unicorn in return. It’s the pie in the sky scenario.
Ainge can sit back and demand obscene packages for Rondo because he still has the draft lottery to fall back on. If the Celtics fail to secure a top 3 pick, then you can brace yourself for the Trader Danny show.
As for the other tankers, Milwaukee isn’t likely to tinker with it’s losing formula. Philly and Orlando have multiple players on the market. The Lakers are trying to dump Pau Gasol and Chris Kaman.
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