the biggest challenge of being an NBA GM is weighing in on whether to cash in on assets/picks early before the value diminishes, or being patient and waiting for the value to peak...and then of course sometimes it's best to keep your assets. The reason I say this is the following. It's too early to know what our assets will develop into...
BK picks, James Young, Marcus Smart, etc etc.
right now, there's a particular value around the league on these assets/players. Ainge could absolutely swing a deal involving these young players/picks, but would he be maximizing on his assets? Probably not.
The BK pick and Marcus Smart I don't want to trade...period. Call me crazy, but I Think that BK pick is going to be Top 5. And who knows, maybe we land Simmons or Skal. IT's possible.
Which leads to my next question. Would you rather deal the BK pick, Bradley, and James Young (who could also end up being really good) for a Bradley Beal type right now? Or would you rather keep Bradley/Young and draft in the Top 5? or Top 10?
Ainge should keep his assets unless he's absolutely blown away. This isn't yet the season were contending for a title. No reason to rush it and force the issue. I'd do secondary type deals that improve our team incrementally....but I'm not sacrificing BK picks, Smart, etc for Carmelo Anthony or someone like that. Ainge has come this far, he might as well see it through and remain patient.
What if......BK pick is Top 5. Ainge could swing Top 5 pick as centerpiece for a mega star and then go hard after Durant in Free agency. It's possible guys