Boston Celtics Should Wait Until Summer to Trade

The Boston Celtics should continue to be patient at the trade deadline

The list of players connected to the Boston Celtics this trade deadline week continues to grow, and yet it feels as though nothing more serious has transpired. Paul George and Jimmy Butler have been the most consistently present, but with each report being contradicted by the next, it feels as though it is all smoke and mirrors, once again.

Fans see all the trade speculation and it brings them to the conclusion that the Celtics are active in trade talks. That being said, there has been little to suggest that anything has changed over the last couple of days for the Celtics, and that should not be too surprising.

Ainge has been an active trader in the past, but he has always been patient throughout. Ainge is never willing to give up any value, and he realizes one thing that many fans apparently don’t: right now may not be the best time for a trade. Of course, refusing to make a trade this season means likely throwing away one of the most unique seasons ever from Isaiah Thomas, and an opportunity to catch the Cavaliers while they are shorthanded.

There is no doubting that the Celtics can pull the trigger and make themselves a better team right now. One great problem is thinking that even if the Celtics make the trade, they will not be good enough. That argument should not be the reason the Celtics keep their assets for now. If a GMs approach is to only sacrifice assets if it means becoming the title favorite, then almost no trades will get done. Even if they would not be a favorite, getting a player like George or Butler would put them in a great position to reach the NBA finals.

More from Hardwood Houdini

The reason the Celtics will keep their assets is not because of the fact that no trade will make them a defacto title favorite, it is because Ainge knows how powerful his assets can be, and he will not take the approach of the Kings and rush into a deal. Ainge has always been patient, and there is a reason for that.

Not making a trade at this deadline does not mean that the assets will go to waste, because they will be in a much better position to use those assets once the season is over. First of all, it takes away the potential for the Celtics to give up part of their future, for a player that will be with the team for half a year. Making a trade before the season starts, even for a player with one year left on a contract, ensures that Brad Stevens will get at least one full season to evaluate how to use them properly. That being said, this does not apply to either George or Butler who have multiple years left on phenomenal deals.

Waiting for the summer also allows the Celtics to better assess what they need to spend their assets on based on what can happen in free agency. The Celtics want to get a franchise player through the trade, but a stacked free agency class could drastically change what the Celtics may target in trade scenarios.

The Celtics have an opportunity this summer to get a max contract free agent, while also trading for a superstar player. They could still do both with a trade this offseason, but that will limit what players will help them the most in free agency.

The only reason to do a trade this deadline as opposed to this summer that involves their most important assets is because they value this one season more than any other in the near future. The Celtics have done such a great job of rebuilding, that they want to win now while building for the future, and they are in the best position in the NBA to do both through trades.

Not making a trade at the deadline does not mean that Ainge does not believe in this current core, because these same players will be here next season, after their youth has had a chance to develop.

The priority for the Celtics is winning a championship with the pieces they have, not winning a championship as soon as possible. Mortgaging their future to win this season certainly puts them in a better position to win this season, but it does not necessarily give them a better overall chance to win a championship with these pieces.

If the right deal is available, especially for players on longer contracts, the Celtics need to and will jump on it. Unfortunately, with the way things are shaping up, the Celtics will have to either force a player they do not want, or will have to give up more value.

Waiting until the summer will expand Boston’s options and will allow them to better assess what they need, in order to become a true title contender. The Celtics are in a win/win situation because, no matter what, they are going to be improving.

Next: New Pick Protection Role Could Change Trade Situation

Celtics fans are being set up for great disappointment if they do not make a huge trade this offseason, but do not forget that the Celtics have always taken a long term plan, and if they are looking to make this Celtics team the best it can possibly be with the pieces it currently has, then waiting until the offseason to figure out what to do with their assets is the best course of action. That being said, Ainge will jump on any trade he can get value on, and this may be the time he finally gets it with George or Butler.

Home/Celtics News