Rumors are suggesting that Kyrie Irving is more likely to be traded than Jayson Tatum
At this point, there is still nothing to suggest the Boston Celtics are seriously considering trading a key part of this core, and it would still be a shocker to see them get a deal done for Kawhi Leonard. That being said, it sounds like talks have actually happened, and the Celtics may have tipped their hand a bit with their priorities.
Jake Fischer of Sports Illustrated reported that while the San Antonio Spurs are focusing on Jayson Tatum being the center piece of a trade, the Celtics are having none of that, with Kyrie Irving being a more likely trade target.
There are multiple reasons for this, even if Irving is clearly the better player right now. First of all, Irving has one year left on his deal, and could leave the Celtics with nothing next offseason. On top of that, Irving is going to get a max contract next season, so losing him would open up the possibility for the Celtics to sign another max contract.
Tatum, on the other hand, is an absolute bargain while being a main contributor on a championship contending team, while having the kind of potential that may make him an MVP candidate down the line.
Once again, the Celtics are showing that the long term is always the focus. The Celtics are more concerned about keeping a contending core together for as long as possible, rather than going all in for one season.
In the end, all this really is yet another indication that the Celtics will not be making a deal for Leonard. The Spurs are going to want something they will not give up, and there is no sense in the Celtics blowing things up for a rent a player.
There is some logic behind the idea that trading Irving is not as bad because both he and Leonard have one year left on their contract. Right now, however, it is a lot easier to believe that Irving will come back, whereas everyone is assuming that Leonard is almost guaranteed to be leaving.
Next: no fear of losing Brown or Tatum
You never know what can happen over a year, but the Celtics realize how special this core is, and they will be just fine keeping Irving and contending this year, then figuring out what the best move will be to make sure that window stays open for as long as possible.