"They're definitely bravely saying they won't trade him at this point," said one general manager, who nevertheless added, "I definitely think it's the right thing to trade him. I think Danny knows it."
I think Ainge is much less risk-averse than other GMs (which is a good thing), so I think he sometimes disagrees on what the right move is. It sounds like a rival GM wants to trade for Rondo and using an anonymous quote to pressure Ainge to stop holding onto Rondo so tightly, but I think Ainge is less susceptible to fear of being thought a fool than other GMs are.
Actually I've reached the conclusion that Ainge is HIGHLY risk-averse. Other GMs would probably have pulled the trigger on any number of trades over the past few years, butAinge just keeps holding out for fear of losing an asset (Sullinger, Olynyk, Rondo) that will hurt in the long run. He wants to keep Rondo and continue building around him. Don't believe it? I'm saying seeing is believing!
I dont think it's out of fear of losing an asset, he just doesnt make trades just to make trades. Hes looking for high end players and for him to even be in the discussion for those kinds of players, his assets need to gain some value first. For instance, a team like Minnesota really could care less about both Sullinger or KO this past off-season, thats mostly likely gonna change after this year.
He just strikes me as a guy who knows what he wants and has a plan to put himself in a position to get it.....and obviously keeps all that close to the vest.