Not expecting too much from the trade exception because most of them expire without being used. If a team is looking to trade a player without taking anybody else back, you're not set up for a great haul.
It's not the right time to have a trade exception. If the Celtics were a contending team, maybe they could use it to acquire a veteran role player they otherwise wouldn't have able to get. The type of players available for trade exceptions don't seem appropriate for a rebuilding team.
In July 2007, Sam Presti used a $9 million trade exception to gain two future 1st round picks from a Phoenix team desperate to slash payroll (Suns got rid of Kurt Thomas).
One of those picks turned into Serge Ibaka.
You're right though: if Ainge doesn't use the TE, it does the team no good.
Yeah. What teams are candidates looking to slash payroll next either at the trade deadline or in the offseason?
Teams predicted to be above the luxury tax threshold:
Brooklyn - Don't see anything happening there.
Miami - Don't see anything there.
Lakers - I see them desperate to shed some money to get under that tax threshold, but I'd imagine they'll probably deal with another team with a TPE rather than Boston.
Orlando - Aaron Afflalo? Al Harrington? Jameer Nelson? Glen Davis? One player himself wouldn't get them under the threshold and they'd need to make another deal.
Chicago - I can't see them making a move.
NYK - I don't see them making a move.
Other teams possibly looking to dump players or contracts:
Toronto - Steve Novak?
Phoenix - Channing Frye?
Minnesota - JJ Barea?