Did Ainge do all of this just so he could sign Noel to a near-max contract? I don't think he is interested in just having a competitive team; he wants stars. If somehow Noel flashes star potential in the next few weeks, then sure, I guess, but many around here don't want to take the chance of trading for Monroe or Gay in fear that they might opt into next year. Why is Noel appreciably better than Monroe at much much more money and 3-4 additional years (after he re-signs)?
I have to imagine Cousins, George, Griffin, Butler, etc are all still priorities. I suppose it might be possible to trade for Noel, cut loose everyone except our core players and attempt to sign Hayward in FA. That is a scenario I can get behind - but I don't want Noel to be our 'final' piece.