I'm still worried the trade won't get done and I'd rather learn right now if it will get done or not instead of waiting for a few days.
With that said, I was thinking about the recent rumors and events concerning the Celtics and Danny Ainge, and I think this trade makes a lot of sense in that "continuity" regard.
Let's resume it :
- The rumors about Ray getting traded are heating up and we hear about them everyday. Danny meets with Ray and his wife to discuss it and explain them the "situation".
- Ray claims that he wants to stay with Boston and re-sign this summer, willing to take a paycut.
- Then we hear about a BBD for Augustin trade. Danny denies having any talks with the Bobcats but says that he likes Augustin a lot (even though if he wasn't asked to). You can't trust what Danny says and you can read between the lines. He says he envisions minor tweaks, which doesn't mean he won't make major tweaks... plus he did deny rumors like that a few years ago with the Sczerbiak/Davis trade, and also said he wasn't planning on doing anything on draft day just before acquiring Ray for the #5 pick.
- We hear that the owners are ready to spend more money in order to improve now and for the future but they don't wand "bad contracts".
- Ray, who hasn't missed a game this season and never had back problems, is suddenly out of our last game before the break with "back spams" which occurred to him at shootaround after 3 days of rest. Sounds like a trade is brewing, uh?
- Then we learn yesterday by Chris Mannix that Butler and Jamison can be had for expirings.
- Finally, and it may be totally unrelated, by Ray, who is currently in the Bahamas for the break, finally launches his website after years of wait. The website is, of course, about Ray but a lot about the Celtics too.
So, with all these events and elements, here is my guess :
Danny and the Wizards have been talking about that trade for a few weeks and they are getting closer to get it done now that the deadline is really close and Washington knows none other team is willing to take both Butler AND Jamison's terrible contract.
Danny told Ray and his wife about that potential deal when he met with him and probably told him he could get bought out and re-sign with us just in time for the playoffs after the legal delay of 30 days. Ray agreed.
And now, if the deal gets done, I'm pretty sure Ray will re-sign with us because the Wizards will gladly welcome a buyout since they won't have any use for Ray. Then Danny will trade Baby + filler for Augustin + filler.
What do you think? Of course it's pure speculation and wishful thinking from my part but when there is smoke there is fire, and I think that all these elements and rumors piling up for the past few weeks make too much sense all put together. It doesn't mean the trade will happen for sure but it has good chances of happening if all goes according to Danny's plan.
Edit : just saw Ainge's denial. Doesn't mean anything to me, typical GM talk!