DANNY'S PLAN
WHAT WE KNOW- Demarcus Cousins was traded for New Orleans last night for what is widely considered a steal.
WHAT WE DON'T KNOW- What happens next for the rest of the NBA, and especially the Celtics.
The Celtics have always been talked about as a landing spot for Demarcus Cousins, and with their stockpile of assets, no one would be surprised if a deal was made. However, with Cousins now off the table, the Celtics will look elsewhere to bulk up their roster for an NBA title run. They are the second seed in the East and are a star away from have a legitimate shot at challenging Cleveland.
So why didn't the Celtics pull the trigger on a deal for Sacramento's big man? Danny Ainge simply didn't think that he was worth the precious assets he's spent the last four years stockpiling. Cousins is a liability when it comes to keeping calm, cool, and collected- which is a trait the Celtics pride themselves on. There are other options on the block- especially when you have what will likely be a top three pick in 2017 AND 2018 to play with. Simply put: Danny knows that he can do better than Cousins.
But how? How can he do better than Boogie Cousins? Well- like I said earlier- the Celtics may not have been the best fit for him. Bringing his unpredictable attitude to BOSTON of all places, in the heat of an intense run for the Eastern Conference- may not have been the greatest idea. Especially not when there are names like Blake Griffin, Jimmy Butler, and Paul George on the block.
Expect the Celtics to make some sort of move before Friday's trade deadline. Whether it is going all in for a superstar- which I think they will- or acquiring a role player like PJ Tucker at a lower cost, they will improve their roster Friday. A deal for Butler or George is very much in play. The cost? Most likely one of Avery/Crowder/Johnson, Rozier, and the Brooklyn picks. I don't think they'll trade Bradley, but everything is in play.
If I had to offer up a couple of predictions?
Butler for Crowder, Rozier, and the Two Brooklyn Picks
Griffin for Johnson, Rozier, and the 2017 Brooklyn pick
George for Crowder, Brown, and the Brooklyn Picks.
Anything can happen. But the one thing I know for sure... is that DANNY HAS A PLAN.