The "no Irving + no Davis"
is fun to debate, it's just that isn't how Ainge operates. Danny has his picks and "developed young players"...right? This summer is the "moment." He has more draft picks than he can get roster or cap space for this year and the next. He didn't pile up the draft capital to actually pick the players, he already did that.
Irving "dropped out of the sky." Ainge, in a manner of speaking, "had" to trade for Irving. He had to make a decision on Thomas and Crowder had some value so it postponed the "contract problem" while the young guys improved.
Ainge "traded Fultz" for Tatum and, in a perfect world, he'd be trading Tatum for Anthony Davis this summer. Got that?
At this level, you never know, but, Ainge has to go through the motions. If Irving leaves? Ainge has been prepared for this eventuality since he traded for him. Irving is a movie star and Boston isn't.
Tatum - Hayward - Brown - Smart
I don't think Danny will re sign Rozier as he will not present a "good value" in the world of point guards. I suggest Ainge would value a "distributor" for his offensive core who would be cheaper. Morris too will be gone due to cost.
Is that group on their way to a title?
No they are not. Ainge needs a "transcendent talent" and he will keep on playing his hand until he gets one. In the meantime? He has a really good team in a B- Eastern conference and the fans will be happy.
I ask for an end to the "Don't trade Tatum for one year of Davis posts" simply because you are second guessing the GM who would be "trading Markelle Fultz for Anthony Davis."
Red Auerbach has a Havana waiting to be lit up if that trade ever goes down.