Ainge: Not trading draft picks for players with free agency uncertainty
Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said that he will not be trading the team’s multiple draft picks for any player that is unsure about his free-agent future.
Ainge spoke with 98.5 the Sports Hub regarding Thursday’s trading deadline. While he didn’t mention Phoenix Suns point guard Goran Dragic by name, Dragic is entering the last year of his contract and is expected to be a free agent at the end of the season.
“We really don’t want to get ride of multiple draft picks for players with uncertainty in the free-agent market - a situation like we were in with Rondo,” Ainge said.
The Celtics traded Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 18, with Rondo also currently in the final season of a five-year, $55 million contract.
According to Yahoo Sports, the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Miami Heat are on Dragic’s preferred list of destinations.
Ainge said with that kind of uncertainty, the Celtics will be looking to improve their roster in the summer instead.
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“It’s more likely that we will be busier in the summertime and actually get more accomplished in the summertime than we will here at the trade deadline,” Ainge said.
Boston (20-31) is in danger of missing the playoffs for the second straight season after reaching the postseason the previous six years.
Ainge said that he likes the team’s guards but more depth, along with shooting and scoring at the position is needed to be a great team.
"The talent level that we have right now is not good enough at this moment. We do believe that most of our young players aren’t even close to reaching their prime, so that’s an encouraging thought," Ainge said.
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