Boston Celtics: 3 questions heading into training camp

1. Will Ainge pull the trigger on a deal?

What Danny Ainge has done very well this offseason is to obtain quality role players on team-friendly contracts and while Stevens will be looking at who will contribute, Danny will be watching to see who will increase their value.

Boston has been straddling the line between contention and rebuilding for a few years now, but with the treasure trove of assets finally dwindling down decisions need to be made to allow the team to continue progressing in one direction or another.

With the following players earning $5 million dollars or less next year, a trade is a real possibility depending on who becomes available;

• Daniel Theis ($5 million) with 2020 non-guaranteed
• Enes Kanter ($4.767 million) with a player option of $5 million in 2020
• Vincent Poirier ($2.62 million) guaranteed for 2020
• Brad Wanamaker ($1.4 million) expiring at end of season

There are also the rookies and younger players such as Semi Ojeleye, who could be added to this list, however, it is unlikely they get moved unless the trade is for a Bradley Beal-type player.

Another point to consider is, any trade Boston considers will most likely require a large salary or up-coming player going the opposite way.

Gordon Hayward is a possible piece if a large salary is required as he is set to earn $32.7 million this year with a player option for 2020 as per Early Bird Rights and with his upcoming restricted free agency, the Celtics may decide to cash in on Jaylen Brown.

Boston also possess as many as five draft picks for next summer, these are;

• Their own first-round selection
• Memphis’ first-round pick (protected 1-6 if it does not convey Boston receive an unprotected first in 2021).
• Milwaukee’s first-round pick (protected 1-7 if it does not convey Boston receive an unprotected first in 2021).
• Atlanta’s top-55 protected second-round pick
• The worst of Brooklyn’s or New York’s second-round pick
• Their own second-round selection

With this many options available to them, there is little doubt Boston’s name will be involved in trade speculation right up to the deadline.

If a deal gets made is something that only time will tell, but Danny Ainge is never one to shy from making the tough decisions and with the assets available he may choose to pull the trigger if a big name becomes available.

The question is who do the Celtics view as long-term building blocks, and who are trade chips? Every player will have the opportunity to stake their claim come Sept. 28.