When the Boston Celtics signed star-SF Gordon Hayward to a 4 year, $128,000,000 contract last week, Danny Ainge knew that someone had to go. After the signing, the Celtics could no longer afford one of three players - either Marcus Smart, Jae Crowder, or Avery Bradley. Rumors arose on social media that one of them was going to have to go, and sure enough, Bradley was the odd man out.
The Celtics dealt Avery and a second-round pick to the Detroit Pistons for Marcus Morris, and I'm pissed about it.
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Marcus Morris. The man is a competitor, a fantastic basketball player, and will most likely help with the Celtics' rebounding issues. Some may say the deal had to happen, because Avery was going to leave in free-agency after next season. Though this may (or may not) be the case, the trade was still lopsided.
Avery Bradley Is Irreplaceable.
Avery Bradley was the heart and soul of the Celtics, especially on the defensive end. Though he was not awarded All-NBA First-Team All-Defense, (or Second-Team for that matter) we all know what kind of impact Avery can make when he is on the floor. He anchored the defense, could shoot the 3-ball pretty well, was super athletic, and averaged the second most rebounds/game for the Celtics last season. Avery has a super-high motor, and will fair very well in Detroit next season. In a weak Eastern Conference, he could even find his way onto an All-Star team if he really shows out. At the ripe age of 26 years old, Bradley is ready to enter his prime-seasons in the NBA. It's truly unfortunate that he will not be doing so for the Green and White. If I were making the decision, (which obviously I am not) I would have sent the Jazz Jae Crowder in a sign-and-trade for Hayward if it were possible. We are a forward-heavy team, with some lack of experience at the guard position. Let's face it, Marcus Smart is nowhere close to being as consistent as Avery Bradley.
Isaiah Thomas Can't Be Thrilled, Either.
The MVP of the Boston Celtics is Isaiah Thomas. Simple as that. The little-guy looks to perform magic every time he's out on the court. He averaged nearly 30 points/game and came in 5th place in MVP voting for the 2016-2017 season. The organization should value what Isaiah has to say and keep him happy. If that is the case, why the hell did the Celtics trade Avery Bradley? Avery and Isaiah were teammates for 2+ years, and both originate from Tacoma, Washington. Chyna Thomas, Isaiah's sister, passed away this postseason during the Celtics' playoff series with the Bulls. When this happened, Avery Bradley picked his brother up immediately. Though the video of Isaiah crying in Avery's arms is heartbreaking, it attests to how good of a teammate Bradley really is. These two were boys, and when your boys are taken from you, its a tough adjustment. With Avery gone, there is now a huge void in the Celtics backcourt. Production-wise, sure, they may have upgraded with Gordon Hayward if he plays a lot of SG. When it comes to heart, fellowship, and passion, Boston lost plenty of that in the deal.
Here's To Marcus Morris!
We really, really hope you fit in well over here in Boston. You'll have some big shoes to fill since you were traded for a cemented fan-favorite in Celtics history, but who knows? Maybe this off season really is the beginning of something special for the C's. Keep on keepin' on, Danny.
