What might Ainge be thinking?

[Trying]

I'm of the mindset that Danny Ainge is a bright GM.  The Kyrie/IT swap seems lopsided and sub-optimal.  So if Ainge is smart and did the trade, I'm wondering why.  Curious what other posters think as to why do the trade.  Some possible reason that I've come up with.  (appreciate the restraint for calling Ainge a dope, etc.).  Why do you think Ainge did the trade? 

- IT is hurt more than we know

- Ainge doesn't want to resign IT to Max

-  Ainge has another trade to make and this is just the first part

-  Ainge doesn't like next years draft class as much as some fans do

-  Ainge doesn't want to draft another young player - not enough spots to develop all of them

-  Ainge thinks Nets pick will not be near the top - maybe he thinks the Nets improved or he thinks too many other teams are tanking this year

-  Ainge wants more playing time for the youngsters - and moving Crowder helps

-  Ainge thinks Kyrie hasn't reached his peak yet and can be a top 10 player

-  Stevens loves Kyrie

-  Stevens doesn't love IT

-  Ainge feeling pressure to speed up the rebuild process

-  Ainge doesn't think he can win a championship with IT as Max salary

Luv to hear what you think -

[Rosco917]

He was thinking that we've most likely viewed the best IT will ever be. He has a chronic hip problem that needs an operation, and he's hinting at a Max deal after this year. A year he may not even play a full season.

If you think taking the summer off has magically repaired that hip, think again.

[KGBirdBias]

I think your first 5 points are spot on.

[CelticsElite]

1. Kyrie is a true superstar.

2. Kyries deal is friendly. We might be able to squeeze one more star in.

3. We need to move IT no matter what cuz of the brinks trufk

4. Danny has had his eyes on kyrie for a while I'm sure

5. Kyrie is younger

6. Crowder wasn't going to get as many minutes with the brown tatum and possibly semi/yabu trains coming

7. Danny likes tatum and brown and they are good enough that we don't even need that pick. Lakers pick is enough

8. Lakers have 3rd hardest strength of schedule.. Nets had 7th hardest strength of schedule. Nets could surprise and end up being slightly too good. Value of that nets pick is highest right now

[ManUp]

Kyrie is 3 years younger, just as talented, and will be cheaper moving forward.

Anthony Davis would want to play with Kyrie 😀.

[spikelovetheCelts]

DA Knows KI can take over a Finals game and win it better than IT. We have three Young Players we don't need 4. Crowder would not have been happy. I would not surprise if Bogut is the next signing as well. I am hopeful another moves is forth coming. Our Coach I am sure loves KI too.

[TheTruthFot18]

He finally listened to all of us and cashed in the picks.

Did people think someone like Kyrie or AD would be sent here for scraps and late firsts?

[hpantazo]

A year from now when IT is in the first year of his max deal and is hobbling, we will have Kyrie at a cheap deal and still have assets to add another start to the Kyrie, Hayward, Horford trio.

[mctyson]

It is all about the $.

Kyrie is at worst an equivalent player to IT, who is younger, under contract for multiple years and can be resigned at a cheaper value.  I think ITs hip injury was also a big factor.

It really sucks that Crowder and the BK pick had to be included.  I could see the pick without Crowder, and vice versa, but both is a huge kick in the sac. 

[CelticSooner]

He finally listened to all of us and cashed in the picks.

Did people think someone like Kyrie or AD would be sent here for scraps and late firsts?

Irving isn't close to Davis' level. One of the most overrated players in the league it appears.

[esel1000]

He thinks Irving is the same or better than IT, younger/can lock him up for like 7 years, and will be part of the Brown/Tatum era. It makes complete sense from his standpoint.

It's just to sad to lose the guys that turned this rebuild around...and the Nets pick...

[mef730]

Every player on the team believes that the Earth is round. He wanted a little diversity.

Mike

[CelticSooner]

A year from now when IT is in the first year of his max deal and is hobbling, we will have Kyrie at a cheap deal and still have assets to add another start to the Kyrie, Hayward, Horford trio.

Trying to make a point based on an assumption IT will be hobbling doesn't work.

[hpantazo]

A year from now when IT is in the first year of his max deal and is hobbling, we will have Kyrie at a cheap deal and still have assets to add another start to the Kyrie, Hayward, Horford trio.

Trying to make a point based on an assumption IT will be hobbling doesn't work.

He knows IT's health status much better than we do. Either way, the sings for a long time now were pointing to Ainge not wanting to sign IT to a max deal.

[mctyson]

He was thinking that we've most likely viewed the best IT will ever be. He has a chronic hip problem that needs an operation, and he's hinting at a Max deal after this year. A year he may not even play a full season.

If you think taking the summer off has magically repaired that hip, think again.

What if his hip is fine and he plays this well again, Cleveland makes the Finals again and/or wins?