In retrospect, was Ainge right not to make a trade at deadline?

[Drucci]

I was disappointed he didn't make a single move, even a small signature or role player.

But it was indeed the right move. Everybody has praised Toronto for their addition but how did that turn out for them ? Also, I'm not very impressed by Butler and hope we'll stay away from him in the offseason but even then, his price will likely have dropped, as well as Paul George's.

[RockinRyA]

I think the extremely low price of Tucker was worth it regardless of the circumstances, especially with our rebounding woes and his penchant for hitting the boards. I think he would've helped us more than people think.

Ibaka is a bit different story. I still feel like he puts us right in contention with Cleveland, and he also would be the fifth starter that Brad has continuously struggled to find this postseason, specifically this particular series. However, I do understand the argument of not getting him for cap space reasons this summer if they're confident about Hayward. Granted, we still could've had both by simply not retaining the Bird rights (and cap hold) of Ibaka this summer, but I see the argument of not wanting to waste Rozier and the Clips pick in the process.

As for Butler and George, I think the vast majority on here feel as if Danny did a great job by not overpaying for them at the deadline. I think both can be had for cheaper prices this summer, and I doubt they would've brought us over the edge this year anyways due to how long it'd take for them to get integrated in our system, let alone the losses we would have to get used to in losing rotation players.

If we could have gotten BOTH Butler and George, then it would have been worth it. From all the quote by Ainge, Wyc, and co. after the deadline, and even from rival GMs, it seems that was what they were aiming for, but either Chicago or Indiana or both held out for parts that they were saving for the deal with the other team in order to get both done.

Getting both of them would have made us instant contenders together with IT and Horford.

Getting one of the two wouldn't have helped us get banner 18 this year though, and would have gutted our team and assets.

And all those trades can still happen this off season when Ainge and Stevens will have more time to add proper role players and integrate the players into the system. Adding two stars mid season while giving up a lot of rotation players is going to cause chemistry issues that would have probably meant a net negative. This isn't fantasy basketball. Adding and subtracting that many players after 2/3 of the season is gone and expecting it to be a contender immediately is just not realistic.

Horford was added in the offseason yet even he had some on-court chemistry issues that needed ironing out, imagine what wouldve happened if we did any trades.

Adding a single guy is tough enough, but workable. To add someone like Jimmy Butler and sending out multiple of players? 2 months isnt enough for you to figure out new roles.

[Celtics4ever]

I have thought about this some more.  I think a whole other bunch of things have to happen before Ainge gets a pass.

1) The lottery, people might not be happy if the pick is at the low end say a 4.
2) Who we get in free agency, all the cap space in the world is not worth a thing if no one comes.
3)  What happens in the this and the next series.   If CLE gets out the broom on us, assuming we get by WASH, people will be wondering why Ainge did not add a piece.   I think that we can't beat CLE barring an injury to one of their big three.  So this last bit won't effect me that much.

However, if we roll back with the same team with the number 3 or 4 pick, I think there is a possibility the Boogie stuff does not go away.   If the master plan goes as planned and we land Fultz and Hayward then people will think Ainge is one of the greatest ever.

[Surferdad]

I was disappointed he didn't make a single move, even a small signature or role player.

But it was indeed the right move. Everybody has praised Toronto for their addition but how did that turn out for them ? Also, I'm not very impressed by Butler and hope we'll stay away from him in the offseason but even then, his price will likely have dropped, as well as Paul George's.

I didn't read the whole thread but Drucci summarized my feelings too.  I admit I was wrong.