If you're Ainge, who is your next "Garnett" and "Durant"-like target?

[Celtic_Pride777]

You know it's gonna happen sooner or later. Danny is going to swing for the fences for another big-name talent...he had reportedly set his sights on Garnett for five years, and even still had to make moves to acquire Allen before a deal was finally struck. But think how transformation it was to do that...and to he just came close to repeating the very same thing!

I don't think there's ever been a gm that has shown so much patience and foresight in building up assets and gradually targeting big name players.

If there's one thing I've learned about Danny this past few days, is that we shouldn't underestimate his ability. For all we know, we may still have a shot at Durant (though I have to question his leadership and willingness to shoulder the burden for his team) but if I'm Ainge, I'm setting my sights on the next all-star player.....looking to turn the page.

Who would it be?

[mr. dee]

Any MVP caliber player outside Lebron.

[jpotter33]

I think Butler ends up being available this year, and Danny ends up pouncing on him then.

Cousins could very well end up available, too, especially because once again it's hard to really see them challenging for a playoff spot. If Sacramento isn't really in the playoff race at the deadline, I expect him to get moved.

Though this all could be preceded by him trading for Love, who I think will have to get dealt before the season, or taking a chance on trading for Westbrook, who I also feel confident will be on another team before the season starts.

[Cman]

In no particular order:
Westbrook
Curry (next year)
Cousins
Butler
CP3
Griffin

[BudweiserCeltic]

Not sure about Durant/Garnett-like... but I'm confident his focus is in trying to get Cousins and/or Hayward who could become available.

Wouldn't be surprised if he went after Monroe, who I think is also available.

Other than that, slim pickings.

Griffin next year maybe?

Of course, he'll try for Durant again next Summer... maybe even Steph Curry who he salivates over.  LONG SHOTS!

[walker834]

Butler seems to be the guy although I'm not sure how I feel about it.  I don't know how Butler and Horford beat the likes of what is going on in GS.  We should go big imo.

[Clench123]

I know it's not Jaylen Brown.  But knowing Ainge, I'm pretty sure he'd draft another doozy next year.

[oldtype]

Blake Griffin. The Clippers are more or less guaranteed to break up after this season because they've put themselves in salary cap hell and can no longer improve at all. Blake will either leave or be traded before he does.

[Eja117]

I'd say Westbrook and Griffin are my targets. I somewhat prefer Griffin. If we got him we would at least be a major threat in the East.

[trickybilly]

I know it's not Jaylen Brown.  But knowing Ainge, I'm pretty sure he'd draft another doozy next year.

Jaylen is already under contract. 5 years too! Can you believe it! So lucky!

[Smartacus]

My next Garnett white whale would be Marc Gasol.

Overnight Horford/Gasol would be on a shortlist for top front courts in the league. Stevens has mentioned how centers and power forwards have interchangeable duties with their spacing and defensive responsibilities. Like KG, Marc Gasol would transform our defense overnight and provide wide open lanes for Isaiah and Jaylen Brown to slash through. Rated really highly in this stretch big man index.
http://i68.tinypic.com/9vbhfq.png.

Next Kevin Durant?... Anthony Davis.

[fantankerous]

Harden.

[nebist]

Anthony Davis in 5 years or so.  New Orleans has built the worst roster around him I could possibly imagine. 

[uconnceltic]

Harry Giles who will be suiting up at Duke this season and will be a top 3 player in next years draft. He is a 6'11 center who can play the four and is very athletic big man. He would be a huge get and is why Boston should not trade this coming year pick

[bdm860]

Maybe it's still Durant.  That player option gives me hope, no matter how small the odds or irrational or unlikely it all is.  Dream scenario goes something like:

The Warriors situation fails.  The chemistry and depth isn't there and they all can't share the ball.  Green and Durant butt heads a little, and Durant isn't as happy as he though not being the alpha dog and sharing the load. Kerr's still having back problems and has miss time near the end of the season and the playoffs and Mike Brown can't hold the team together.  The bargain vets like Zaza and Iguodala and whoever else they end up picking up have their games fall off a cliff as they're getting up there in age at 32, 33.  Warriors end up getting knocked out in the 2nd round by the Clippers or Spurs, and Durant realizes he  made a mistake picking the Warriors.  When the little things start going wrong during the season, he can't help but think about Danny's pitch and how the team would have been built around him.  Durant opts out and joins the Celtics.