I don't think Ainge is doing much exploring, I think there's a lot of interest out there for KG, and they're making calls to Ainge, and as he's always said, he's open to hearing all types of proposals... but I don't think for a second Ainge is out there looking to trade KG.
Why? Ainge is notorious for being one of the most active GMs in the market, and it's documented that Ainge has seriously considered trading Rondo, Pierce and Ray Allen throughout the current 'window', including at least one deal for each in the last year.
I don't buy for a second that Ainge sits back and listens to offers like a mafia don without proactively engaging his peers. He tests the value of his players consistently, and admits it.
Difference is that he didn't have KG signed for 3 years. Not only does he currently have KG signed for that, he also has a good group of people signed for that length. This isn't a one year window as many of you like to believe.
We struggled coming out of the gates, but I don't see Ainge in any hurry to destroy our chances in our next few seasons by doing bad moves that would probably still be on the table beyond this season.
I hear you, but I don't think this is accurate. Here's why:
1) There's a strong chance that the Celtics will not keep Pierce's contract for next year if they don't believe the team is a true contender;
2) KG is not guaranteed to play out his deal. "Y'all don't know what I know", for example. Rivers said recently he believes KG's at the point where he considers whether to continue every summer.
3) Rondo's injury is a major blow to Father Time's window for KG and PP.
I'm not claiming that Ainge has given up on this team, but his history speaks to the fact that he's not sitting back idly. Again, even if Olshey picked up the phone first, I don't buy for a second that Ainge isn't pushing him to see what he can get from them before considering the value to the Cs, and whether to pull the trigger.