Skip to main content

Why no Celtics deadline trade, and probably no buyout acquisition

As expected, Celtics boss, Danny Ainge, bypassed the February 6 trade deadline without making a move, and there is a good chance that fans won't see Danny acquire a player from the buyout market. The reasons for "Trader Danny's" bargaining lethargy include his contentment with the present roster, the odds for a bright future and the financial decisions over the next several seasons. Here's a quick look at the ghosts of the Celtics past, present and future.


Ghost of Last Season

The Ghost of Last Season was a sinister one indeed. Ainge has no desire to repeat it. The 2018-19 season was one of stagnation and turmoil. Thus, Danny's wish not to rock the Celtics boat that is floating high on calm waters.

The Serene Ghost of The Present

Trading prior to the deadline would have meant the departure of at least one member of the present Celtics roster. Since Vincent Poirier's contract is fully-guaranteed for next season, Javonte Green may have been a casualty. But Green may end up being a low-money, end-of-the-bench guy next season, and that is what will be needed to escape the Luxury Tax. Then comes the possibility that any player picked up from the buyout market may disrupt the serene atmosphere surrounding the Celtics camp. In the end, Ainge may feel that giving the subs ample floor time now may be sufficient to prepare the team for the post-season, and if the injury bug decides to leave town, the current troops may be able to get to the Finals.

The Delightful Ghost of Seasons Yet to Come

My guess is that Ainge will only acquire a player that is waived by another team if he is confident that player will fit in and contribute significantly to a deep playoff run. Other than that, Danny has to be happy with what the future seems to hold for his team. The Core-5 of the Jay Team, Marcus Smart, Gordon Hayward and Kemba Walker is one of the very-best in the NBA. The center position is set for this season, but next year presents a dilemma.

Enes Kanter has a player option for $5 million, and Daniel Theis' $5 million is non-guaranteed. The Celtics may find they can't afford both players. Poirier's $2.6 million next season is fully-guaranteed, and Rob Williams is set to earn $2 million. The post-season may decide how this all works out.

Rookie Grant Williams will earn $2.5 million and Semi Ojeleye's non-guaranteed $1.8 million will be a bargain that needs to be retained. Carsen Edwards is set to be paid $1.5 million next season, and Green's $1.5 million is not guaranteed. Then there are the two Celtics currently on two-way contracts. Tremont Waters and Tacko Fall. One, two - or all three - of Edwards, Waters and Fall could end up on Boston's full-time roster next season. And we can't forget rookie Romeo Langford, who just may fulfill - or exceed - expectations as the 14th pick in last June's draft.

Danny Ainge has learned patience. He seems contented with his present crew, and most likely delighted with his team's future over the next several seasons - and beyond. Why tamper with a team structure that seems damn solid?

Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, @CausewayStreet and Facebook







Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Elm Street Nightmare

 A true-and-suspenseful horror tale of haunting, homicides and the hunt for triple-murderer, Daniel Laplante - as told by the cops that were there By Lt. Thomas Lane (Ret.)  Daniel Laplante - cold, calm, clever, calculating- Photo: YouTube   Elm Street  surfaces on four occasions in the Laplante saga: 1.) He  resided on Elm Street  in Townsend, Massachusetts 2.) He  kidnapped a woman  at gunpoint on  Elm Street, Pepperell , Massachusetts 3.) He was arrested and transported to Massachusetts State Police Barracks on Elm Street in Concord . 3.) He was  tried, convicted   and sentenced for the murders at  Superior Court , corner of  Elm Stree t and Gorham Street, Lowell, Massachusetts. When evil and cleverness reside in the same mind, the stage is often set for true horror. Such was the case with triple-murderer, Daniel Laplante . As a 16-year old , he quickly transitioned from: Minor thefts and breaking into homes To: Taunting and threatening a father and his two daughters as an unseen

Rules of survival: When search-and-rescue turns into body recovery

 How the Hell did this happen? Two days after 19-year-old Emily Sotelo was supposedly dropped off in Franconia Notch (NH) at roughly 5:00 AM ET, Sunday, November 20, 2022 by her mother, to hike several mountains alone, the search continues for the young lady. Photo by Linda Lane The information from news agencies indicated that Emily started hiking the trails while it was still dark. She was supposedly wearing only sneakers, a coat and workout pants. I can persona;ly attest that the weather in the area was very cold with high wind speeds, and gaining elevation on the trails would only add to the horrendous conditions. Ms. Sotelo was reportedly a seasoned hiker, but had little or no experience hiking in winter. At the peaks, temperatures on that Sunday dropped to zero degrees with a wind chill of minus-30 degrees. It is beyond my comprehension to imagine a hiker-of-experience tackling that kind of travel - in extreme weather - with only basic clothes and few (or no) supplies. I have hik

Nik Stauskas adds "shooting with size" voiced by Brad Stevens

 As a 6'6" shooting guard, 28-year-old Nik Stauskas adds that shooting with size sorely needed by the Boston Celtics. Drafted 8th-overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2014, Stauskas has bounced around to various teams since then. Nik Stauskas' deal with the Boston Celtics includes non-guaranteed salary for the second season in 2022-23, a source tells @celticsblog . — Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) March 4, 2022 Nik has never averaged more than 9.5 points per game in the NBA, but Boston is most likely counting on his production for Grand Rapids in the G League as the incentive to sign him. In 17 games thus far, he has averaged 24.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 4.8 APG - while shooting 50% on field goals and 45% on treys. Nik Stauskas is signing a two-year deal with the Boston Celtics, his agents Mark Bartelstein and Andy Shiffman of @PrioritySports tell ESPN. Stauskas had an historic week, scoring 100 points on 57 and 43 point performances in back-to-back games for Grand Rapids. — Adrian Wo