So next year we retain Isaiah Thomas for the max, where the hell does that leave us?? We would have 3 max contracts and only one of these players is arguably a superstar. We would probably have the worst big three out of the top 10 teams in the league, how are we possibility going to contend or get better without getting rid of at least one of these contracts?
IMO we should of stayed patient and waited for someone who could really put us to the next level before throwing money away like that.
On the forefront, I agree somewhat with your post. Is IT, Hayward and Horford as a Big 3 better than the Cavs Big 3? I would argue no even with LeBron beginning to age. However, in the East, the Celtics may be able to get away with it.
We did not lose any significant draft picks when signing Hayward, keeping flexibility to build for the future with BKN 18 and LAL 18 or SAC 19 with a Brown and Tatum while still competing at a high level with IT, Hayward, and Horford in a weak conference. That group with a decent supporting cast should at worst get back to the ECF next year. Thus, this level of flexibility enables the C's to sign a Hayward, not lose developing players of Brown and Tatum, not lose out on their two 2018 picks, and still develop the next generation all while competing today. I do think to have all these max contracts will hurt somewhat later, but I think management is not too worried about it.
Would I prefer patience? Yes. Though I understand why Ainge, BS, and ownership all agree on signing Hayward, they get the best of both worlds while not sacrificing the farm if you will for a 3-year project that has no guarantees. Just my honest evaluation on it.