Washburn On Toucher & Rich: Ainge, Celtics Don't Have To Do Anything At Deadline
BOSTON (CBS) - The NBA trade deadline is just over 24 hours away, and the Boston Celtics are expected to be one of the busiest teams as the deadline approaches.
They have plenty to offer, like a talented big man who can help a contender off the bench in Brandon Bass, an expiring deal in Kris Humphries, and young talent like Jeff Green and Avery Bradley should the right deal come along. But with all the draft picks they already have in their arsenal, Ainge and the Celtics could just stand pat at Thursday's deadline, according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe.
"The Celtics might not do anything. It could be a lot of talk," Washburn told 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich on Wednesday. "The Celtics don't have to make a deal. Danny is in a good position with all those draft picks and expiring contracts."
"We all know Danny; if he gets that itchy finger then he can make something happen," said Washburn, "...but he doesn't have to do anything."
Read: Who Could Get Dealt?
Should the Celtics make a move, Washburn sees Bass and Humphries as the likely candidates to be shipped out-of-town ahead of Thursday's 3 p.m. deadline.
Rajon Rondo's name is once again popping up in rumors despite Ainge saying he would not trade his star point guard. The price for Rondo will be extremely high, and Washburn doesn't see a deal getting done prior to the deadline.
"I think it would be very unlikely that he's moved. Nothing right now is going to attract the Celtics to move him," said Washburn. "It's going to take a lot. It's going to take draft picks and a young player on the rise; a budding star."
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"Danny Ainge understands the public perception of this. Moving your best player and gutting your team – the Pierce/Garnett deal was understandable, but are you moving Rondo to try to advance? Top point guards are hard to come by in this league, so you can't move them like any other guy."
Listen below:
Washburn: Ainge, Celtics Don't Have To Do Anything At Deadline
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