The Boston Celtics are in a better position than any other team in the NBA to acquire a star player via trade, but the man in charge of making those decisions wants fans to pump the brakes.
While speaking with reporters on Friday, Celtics president Danny Ainge said he is always open to engaging in trade talks with other teams involving star players. However, he said is is “unlikely” that a big move will actually happen.
Ainge on pursuing trades despite loaded roster: “We explore every trade of players of certain magnitude, superstar, first ballot Hall of Fame type of players. We’re gonna take a look, kick the tires and see if there’s something there. I think those things are unlikely.” #Celtics
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) June 29, 2018
Executives really have no choice but to downplay trade rumors. Perpetuating them can both decrease the amount of leverage you have and put your own players on edge, but Ainge is probably being truthful when he says the chances of a major trade are slim. The Celtics have an outstanding young core in place with Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward, so they have no sense of urgency to shake things up.
Kawhi Leonard is the biggest star player we continue to hear linked to the Celtics, but there are a number of obstacles that could stand in the way of Boston and the Spurs coming to an agreement.
