Danny Ainge Lies

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Reports came out over the weekend that the Sixers were close to a trade that would have sent Jahlil Okafor to the Celtics for the Brooklyn Nets draft pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. That Brooklyn pick is set for pick #5 unless they get lucky in the lottery. He basically said a deal was in place, but the other team [Sixers] backed out.

Here’s my take. Just because Danny Ainge says this was close doesn’t mean squat. I think he’s full of shit here. This wouldn’t be the first time he’s been full of shit, either.

Remember the debacle back in 2011 when he was trying to trade Rajon Rondo for Chris Paul? Paul refused to sign an extension with Boston so the deal never happened. Rondo got wind of it and let it be known that he was upset. Ainge backtracked and said they never had intention of moving Rondo and he “didn’t know where the rumors came from.”

This from an ESPN.com article back in 2011:

After noting that he wanted to keep his core together — and later identifying that core as the team’s four All-Stars (Rondo, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen andKevin Garnett) — Ainge was asked point-blank if he was planning to trade Rondo.

“I’m not, no,” Ainge said during a news conference with coach Doc Rivers to discuss the team’s post-lockout agenda.

Three years later on Toucher and Rich, Ainge admits that a trade was in place. He basiclly lied to cover his ass with Rondo. Most GMs would.

In 2013, the Celtics made a deal for coach Doc Rivers to go to the Clippers for draft picks. According to an NBCSports report, Danny Ainge told the press they [Celtics] wanted to keep Rivers but that he wanted out, not wanting to be part of a rebuild.

In that same article, Doc Rivers said the decision to part ways was mutually decided and that Rivers then said he wanted to stay in Boston, but Ainge said the deal was done and he was out. Regarding Ainge’s comment to the press, Rivers responded with, “I was very disappointed in that part of Danny’s press conference.” Ainge once again lied to cover his ass with fans who may have wanted to keep Rivers.

All GMs lie. Ainge is no different, but he may do it more than most. In fact, there’s a Fire Danny Ainge site that had a story called Danny Ainge needs to officially change his name to Liar. 

Do I believe that Ainge inquired about Okafor. Yes. Do I believe that the Sixers listened? Yes. The prudent move is to listen to all offers for all players. Do I believe they were close to a deal, as Ainge says? No. That’s the part the reeks like bullshit. This feels like he just wants to pacify a fan base that wanted a move to be made. He’s covering his ass, just like he’s done repeatedly in the past.

Okafor for a pick slotted for #5 is nowhere near good value for the Sixers. You might not like Hinkie’s plan, but he’s smarter than dealing Okafor for #5, especially in this draft. No one at #5 has the upside of Okafor.

This is a story because Ainge said something. Who cares what that dude says! He was one of the most annoying players in NBA history and he’s an annoying GM and he’s been known to be full of it.

Okafor isn’t going anywhere. Hinkie was just listening to offers. If he wasn’t, he wasn’t doing his job.