Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge won’t let financial concerns force the team to get rid of Isaiah Thomas, writes Steve Bulpett of The Boston Herald.
Since Boston’s playoff run ended, there have been rumors that Thomas may not be part of the team’s long-term future, despite the outstanding season he just turned in. The two-time All-Star averaged 28.9 points per game and was considered part of the MVP race.
Thomas has one season left on his contract at about $6.26MM before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2018, when the Celtics will also face decisions about Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart. Thomas is eligible for an extension this summer, and while Ainge didn’t promise that will happen, he tried to quash rumors about a possible deal.
“Yeah, we can fit everybody in,” Ainge said. “But listen, those are questions that I don’t even have answers for yet. That’s part of the difficult puzzle that is all hard. All I’m saying is those are things I have to worry about that even I don’t like to think about. And I know that those are going to be difficult decisions at some point. But we want to keep Isaiah.
“All I know is that he’s had an amazing year, and who doesn’t want Isaiah Thomas on their team? Like, you’ve got to be kidding me.”
Thomas was third in the league scoring race and earned second-team All-NBA honors. Ainge said he had one of the most impressive seasons ever compiled by a Celtics player, putting it in a class with the best of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Larry Bird and Bill Russell.
He also laughed at the idea that money will be a factor in keeping Thomas.
“Why do the fans need to worry about how much money he makes?” Ainge said. “I can understand if Isaiah and his wife and his agent are worried about that, but I don’t understand why that’s a conversation that needs to be had in the media.”
He better be willing to take a 6th man role, he can’t start for much longer
Honestly what is wrong with you? Were you dropped on your head as a baby?
What is wrong with you dude? Dont like what I got to say keep it pushing. You want to act like a little girl now?
You were calling people insane over what we should do with the #1 and you here saying dumber things than them
I don’t care
I agree that he can’t defend so the Celtics should let him go and see if Fultz can step in, even if the argument was poorly presented by other posters here…
Fair enough. I’ll amuse you. Why can’t Isiah start anymore? Do tell.
Too small, cant defend.
Harden can’t defend either does that mean he should be benched
Harden chooses not to defend, IT just can’t.
Exactly.
Per Bleacher Report: “Thomas has been an absolute sieve, ranked dead last among players with 15 minutes per game in both ESPN.com’s defensive real plus/minus (the separation between him and second-to-last Allen Crabbe is gigantic) and NBA Math’s defensive points saved. Boston is also far better at preventing points when he’s off the floor, even though he typically spends time next to the team’s best defenders.”
If the Chris Mannix proposed deal happens and the C’s can get George
Honestly that would be ridiculous for Boston. But they turned down 4 first rounders so I don’t see that happening
Can you u post a link?
It used to be in this article but they edited it out
True but those pics were offered by the Hawks. When you consider where they finish each year, those may not be as valuable as if it were offered from another team
Ainge A classic guy
Without defense is isiah not a Championship PG
Trade Isiah for Drummond.
That would be such a great trade. People would think Boston is crazy,but it would benefit them so much in the future.
Sell Isaiah. His stock will never be as high as it is now.
Last year his stock was higher, imo.. He’s currently injured with a hip injury, that if it didn’t heal correctly, will hurt his value on offense (no burst, etc..) and he’s on the last year of his deal. He definitely has some value, but he’s kind of like PG13 right now, only injured.