so Ford rightfully thinks Ainge is stockpiling assets, including Isaiah Thomas, for some big moves this summer. Who could be on the list of targets?
Honestly I don't see any major trade targets this summer. Moreover, I don't think Isaiah Thomas is likely to have a ton of trade value. He's got a nice bargain contract, but at his best he's a quality sparkplug guard or an average or slightly above average starting point guard. With the depth at the point guard position, slightly above average is not bound to move the needle much in a trade for a true star.
If Ainge is looking to acquire more assets, I could see him doing so this summer by trying sign a big man free agent e.g. Deandre, Greg Monroe, Hibbert, etc. Any of those guys would make a huge difference for this team and would be able to produce at a pretty high level in their role with this team. Even a highly paid center in that situation would retain or build value as an asset.
I could see Ainge trading for another player to upgrade the team's talent, but nobody who is going to jump off the page. Maybe Ainge makes a go at getting Batum, who will be entering the last year of his contract and is having a very down year in Portland. Perhaps Portland could be persuaded to trade him if they don't think they're going to want to spend to re-sign him.
Harrison Barnes is another name I find interesting, given that Ainge was reportedly interested in him back in 2012 entering the draft, and he seems like a guy who might get traded off Harden style since the Warriors likely can't afford to keep and pay all of their current core guys.
Still, as far as KG-style transactions, I don't see anything going down this summer. There's some buzz about Kevin Love possibly wanting out of Cleveland after this year, but I doubt he would view Boston as an appealing alternative. More likely he'll head to the Lakers or Knicks.
Aldridge, Gasol, and Lebron are all staying on their current teams, in my opinion.