OK, so I don't think the Love thing is dead...With that in mind, maybe Ainge believes #6 & #8 would seal the deal...
Knowing that Sac is looking for either a PG or PF, it's tough to pinpoint what Boston is offering.
Would Bass, Bradley & a future 1st be good enough to get #8?
Would Sacramento be interested in a Green & Nets future 1st (top-5 protected) for #8 and they play Green at the four?
Or, as many have said, since the Rondo thing has been out there for about a year now, maybe this is Ainge keeping several options on the burner at the same time...
It's all about assets and not personal feelings to Ainge...So, if he believes that Rondo can fetch him more attractive assets towards building a champion, then he'll pull the trigger. Rondo for #8 and McLemore and Derrick Williams works, because that brings back three tradeable assets for a guy Ainge believes he'll lose at the end of the year anyway...
Then Ainge rolls into next offseason with:
#6, #8 & #17 this year (Three of Randle, Smart, Embiid, Gordon, McDermott, Saric, Warren, etc.)
Sully
Olynyk
McLemore
D. Williams
Expiring Green deal (IF he opts in)
Gerald Wallace's expiring contract
Oh, and a billion 1st round picks still left...
Oh, and a TON of cap space...
My gut still feels like Love is a realistic option, but if not, can we make it through one more year of mediocrity if it sets us up for next offseason with all the above?