We have heard this over and over the Celtics didn't want to give up assets for Cousins/Butler/George because they have their eyes on an FA and want to preserve a max FA slot for this summer.
So let's look at who this could be.
Top 10 FA's in 2017 and some comments on each
1.Curry Huge interest, but would he leave GSW?
2.Durant Same as above
3. Chris Paul Ainge has always loved this guy, he would age well given that his game isn't based on athletism
4.Griffin Doesn't fill a need, would he leave LA?
5.Lowry Too expensive for a 30+ aged player
6.Millsap same as above
7.Hayward Seems like the logical target
8.Wade Hell no
9.Reddick Would be too expensive, doesn't fill a need
10.Iguodala same as above
Looking at the above list I think that the only guys that Danny is really Interested in are Durant, Paul, Curry and Hayward.
So then the question begs itself. Is Danny relying on a LAC or GSW implosion. Or is he convinced that Hayward will walk away from the Jazz to reunite with Brad Stevens
Lets look at both scenarios
GSW
If GSW doesn't win the title would Curry or Durant walk? Seems highly unlikely especially in Durant's case he's in the process of repairing his image after the hit he took this year. Curry is more likely but it's a slim chance to say the least.
LAC
Doc is the coach and the GM and won't want to face facts, however I see their destiny as going out in the second round to GSW this year. Is Danny thinking that should this happen, they may have to blow it up. Consider this scenario.
Clips get eliminated in the second round, Doc goes to Balmer, requests over $200 million dollars to resign Paul and Blake Griffin. Balmer refuses, wants a full rebuild, sacks doc and lets Paul and Griffin walk.
This does seem incredibly unlikely, however it is possible.
Taking all of these scenarios into account, the most likely scenario is that Danny has it in his head that there is a very good chance that Hayward walks.