Will Danny Ainge Make A Trade?
Tomorrow is a big day for us Celtics fans. Every year we go into the trade deadline with hopes to shit out a starting five of Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, James Harden, LeBron James, and Steph Curry… Us Celtics’ fans love to put too much faith in Danny Ainge! But this year we really need him to make a trade that we can thrive with for the next few years. After tonight’s 121-119 loss to the Bucks, the Celtics fall to 21-23 and in jeopardy of missing the playoffs.
All season long, or at least the last 2 months, the Celtics have been linked to two players in particular – Aaron Gordon and Harrison Barnes.
Sources: Nuggets Interested in Harrison Barnes, Aaron Gordon: Two days before the trade deadline, the Denver Nuggets have identified a new potential target to fill a gap on the wing: Sacramento’s Harrison Barnes. The Nuggets are interested… https://t.co/C27q6S84eO @bballinsiders pic.twitter.com/XSBVQ1Gtby
— Basketball Insiders (@BBallInsiders) March 24, 2021
I have seen reports that the Magic are willing to move Gordon for two first round picks and a young player. This is the best option for the Celtics. I am all in favor of moving draft picks for a proven NBA player, and that is exactly what Gordon is. Not to mention, he also helps fill a need a PF/C. We can’t be having Tatum play PF. We need a starting five of: Walker, Brown, Tatum, Gordon, and Theis. That team right there won’t go 21-23 and be tied for 9th…
The other option is trading for Harrison Barnes. But the Kings aren’t as dumb as the Magic and would only trade him and Buddy Hield for a valuable asset. If the Celtics have to give up Marcus Smart for something to work then so be it. Celtics fans have to realize that no one wants Semi Ojeleye, Romeo Langford, or Grant Williams. These are not key pieces in a trade. Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and Kemba Walker are. Those three are the main selling points that Ainge needs to give up in order to bring balance back to the team. But I am also not sure if Barnes or Gordon is worth Smart. I know the Kings won’t trade unless Smart is involved, but the Magic will trade Gordon for picks. So if we can get Gordon and keep Smart and have him off the bench, then we might be looking ok.
But it all starts and ends tomorrow. If Danny Ainge doesn’t make a trade for at least Gordon, then I want him out and I need Celtics nation behind me on this one. I have called him overrated for years and I might finally see my wish come true where we turn on him. Also, if they don’t make a trade and they miss the playoffs then I am fully prepared for a big shake up.
-John (Uncle_mac4)