Celtics' Ainge on Crowder trade rumors: 'Jae is a big part of what we're doing'

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/celtics-ainge-on-crowder-trade-rumors-jae-is-a-big-part-of-what-were-doing/



Celtics' Ainge on Crowder trade rumors: 'Jae is a big part of what we're doing'



Crowder was a subject of sign-and-trade rumors, but the GM says he's vital for Boston going forward



by Jack Maloney
@jackhaveitall



2h ago • 1 min read



The Boston Celtics got their man on the Fourth of July, agreeing to a four-year deal with free agent Gordon Hayward, acquiring the All-Star Boston had been after for a while this summer.

Unfortunately for the Celtics, they had to create cap space in order to accommodate Hayward's max deal because of the salary cap coming in lower than everyone expected. Jae Crowder, Avery Bradley, and Marcus Smart were the main targets to be moved, and initially it seemed that Crowder would be the one to go, as he plays the same position as Hayward, and was reportedly a part of potential sign-and-trade talks with the Jazz.

In the end, however, it was Bradley who was shipped out. The Celtics dealt him to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Marcus Morris. It was a difficult decision, but Bradley was going to be a free agent next summer, and with the Celtics unlikely to pay him what he deserved, it made sense to move him now.

That move seemed to solidify Crowder's place in Boston, as too did GM Danny Ainge's comments Friday in Las Vegas ahead of the Celtics' Summer League, in which he said that Crowder is "a big part of what we're doing." Via the Boston Herald:

"Jae is a big part of what we're doing," said Ainge. "I mean, he was our best 3-point shooter last year, and he defends some of the top players in the league. Jae's a very important player for us going forward."

Crowder also created a bit of controversy back in January when he took exception to the Celtics crowd cheering for Hayward when the Jazz visited Boston. But with Ainge's comments, as well as Isaiah Thomas' declaration that whatever beef was there is "out the window," it seems that Crowder will now be able to settle in for the long haul in Boston.


bob



.

And, Jae Crowder SHOULD be a big part of what the Cs are doing. However, if a starting center can be obtained that can do what the Cs are looking for in a center (tough, rebound, switch on defense, block some shots or at least alter some shots, and shoot a little bit from at least 15 feet) Crowder could still be traded before the season begins. He will have plenty of value to other teams just like he has to our team.

Crowder has been a player who has brought way more to our team since his arrival than anyone could have ever imagined. He is a huge part of the turn around/rebuild happening way faster than expected, but he is also a player who plays a position where we have a very talented group of players.

If he were a 6'11 center described above, one we would not need to trade him for such a needed center and two, he would be a Celtic till his career ended.

Do it Danny.

https://clutchpoints.com/celtics-could-take-a-crack-at-marc-gasol-in-near-future/

steve3344 wrote:Do it Danny.

https://clutchpoints.com/celtics-could-take-a-crack-at-marc-gasol-in-near-future/

His current salary is $22,642,350 with a 15% trade kicker.

http://www.spotrac.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/marc-gasol-6122/

gyso wrote:

steve3344 wrote:Do it Danny.

https://clutchpoints.com/celtics-could-take-a-crack-at-marc-gasol-in-near-future/

His current salary is $22,642,350 with a 15% trade kicker.

http://www.spotrac.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/marc-gasol-6122/

Never said it would be easy.  But it makes perfect sense for us.

Jae better pack his bags.

Dboss