Ainge: Mystery team 'backed out' of major deal 'at the last minute'
The Boston Celtics did not make a single move before Thursday's trade deadline. David Lee stayed put, along with all their draft picks (including a few priceless selections from the Brooklyn Nets). Dwight Howard, Blake Griffin, Al Horford and Kevin Love all stayed with their respective teams, and none will put on a Celtics jersey at any point during the 2015-16 season.
But according to Celtics President Danny Ainge, Boston did in fact have a major deal in play with a mystery organization, and at least one highly coveted asset was involved.
.@danielrainge told me the #Nets pick WAS involved in the "bigger package" other team backed out of "at the very last minute." #Celtics
— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) February 19, 2016
ALSO: Danny Ainge said the mystery team involved would've surprised fans because rumor was "never reported" #Celtics https://t.co/wT5QixfFn2
— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) February 19, 2016
Info Ainge gave me indicated #Celtics near-deal did NOT involve Horford, Howard, Griffin, Love or other previously reported stars.
— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) February 19, 2016
So, who could be involved if not Howard, Love, Horford or Griffin? The realistic possibilities are extremely limited. Maybe James Harden? Maybe Paul George? Maybe Gordon Hayward? Maybe Jimmy Butler? Would the Sacramento Kings trade DeMarcus Cousins after all they've been through? (Probably not.)
And that's about it. The other possibility, of course, is that there was no deal, and Ainge is simply drumming up belief around the league that another superstar is available, and that the Brooklyn pick can be had.
Either way, Boston is in an extremely advantageous spot right now.
