After finding out we would be picking #1 in the NBA Draft, I think most of us, and even the Celtics organization (initially), thought that this summer, the main plan would be to:
1. Draft Fultz (WELP...)
2. Sign Hayward/Griffin (Even with his injury issues, if we whiff on Hayward, Griffin would still be a nice Plan B option)
3. Use the room exception to keep a current member of the team who is currently entering FA (Jerebko or Gerald Green)
4. Bring up Zizic
5. Trade an excess guard (or two) in a package for a moderate PF/C upgrade.
So here we are, June 25, and honestly, I don't think the plan has really changed. Of course, we didn't draft Fultz, and instead flipped #1 for #3 and a future lottery pick, and drafted Tatum in the package.
But now we're hearing a lot of rumors that the C's may try to sign Hayward and then use that to lure George here, via trade with an extension in hand as well. I truthfully am not buying it.
First off, while this scenario is technically possible, it's VERY COMPLICATED, and risky too. Paul George is better than each of Crowder, Bradley and Smart, yes. BUT I feel he's only marginally better than the production of all 3 combined, and it seems like it will be a hefty package to bring George here. It would, in essence, gut our team for the most part.
And that moves puts us into "win now" mode for the most part, and while this team could have a chance at beating Cleveland (assuming CLE essentially keep the same team), they still have zero shot against the Warriors, and I feel Bradley is VITAL in defending some of the Warriors perimeter shooters (Klay and Steph).
It's why I believe, the C's will still probably follow this blueprint, and it seems like Ainge loves Bradley, because of his capabilities on defense, and the fact that he's grown into the player today, and it would be a shame to just let him leave like that or trade him. Ainge acknowledged "no one is untouchable", but there are probably some players Ainge probably prefers to build with than others, which makes sense.
It's why, while Step 1 obviously changed slightly, they still drafted someone, and I feel they will stick to 'the plan' (Steps 2+5) essentially.
Now it's a matter of hoping that Hayward comes here (or Griffin). Coming this far, it would be a shame to not sign either, but I wouldn't be surprised if they stayed put either to be honest.