I was on board with the playoff push in spite of this... mostly because I think Stevens was on his way back to the NCAA if we didn't get some positive momentum heading into the offseason. I think Stevens is a big part of our future and a big part of our ability to lure free agents.
I agree here, but I don't think the issue was, "make the playoffs or I leave," but I imagine it was more of a, "I will never try to lose games" type thing.
And sadly, yes, at this point, we can only think and hope that he's a big part of luring free agents.
Finally, in response to the thread, yeah Ainge and Riley aren't likely to ever make any trades.