Hate him or love him, Danny Ainge has become arguably the best trader in the NBA. Just after this year’s draft, Ainge sent fan favorite Avery Bradley to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for big-man Marcus Morris. While this trade wasn’t the biggest part of the summer, it certainly had a large impact on the Celtics.
What Ainge Sent
Trader Danny, as he’s come to be known, sent Avery Bradley with one year on his contract to the Pistons. Bradley, 6’2″ and 180 pounds, was a good three-point shooter and consistent defender for the Celtics in his tenure. He was close with fellow former Celtic Isaiah Thomas, and the two were an intimidating backcourt together. Bradley even made the NBA’s All-Defensive team in the 2015-16 season.
What Ainge Got
After sending a guard to Detroit, Ainge received a 6’9″ power forward in Marcus Morris. Morris added much-needed size and tenacity to Boston’s frontcourt, and he’s able to stretch the floor on offense. Making the move for Morris made the decision to let go of Jae Crowder much easier, especially with the signing of Gordon Hayward.
Morris’ Impact
Marcus Morris has had a much bigger role late in this season than anyone expected. With a stretch of three 20+ point games, he’s helped lead Boston to close wins. When healthy, Morris brings effort to the second unit that fits so well with Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier. That effort, combined with his ability, has carved out a spot in an injury-riddled starting lineup. By no stretch of the imagination did any Boston fan think Morris would be starting at any point this season.
Danny Ainge, master-trader of the NBA, makes moves that make his team better, with little regard to fan’s feelings. His reputation and tenacity have led to one of the shortest, most successful rebuilds in league history.