Right as the trade deadline was looming, the Celtics were reportedly offered a first round pick from multiple teams in exchange for Avery Bradley. It is not yet clear which teams made the offer, or how many teams made an offer, but what is known is that an offering of a first round pick came from more than just one team.
With Bradley still being a member of the Celtics, all offers were obviously rejected by the Celtics. This season has arguably been Bradley’s second best season as he has compiled averages of 14.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He is in the first year of the new four-year 32 million dollar deal signed this offseason, which has proven to be a steal for Boston.
Deciding to keep Bradley has paid off for the Celtics as they are still fighting for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Boston showed that even though they are preparing for the future, they are not fully tanking, and are preparing to be a playoff team. This move deserves respect from a team that is already loaded with draft picks in coming years. The move should pay off as the Celtics are already looking towards the playoffs this season, with the future all in the hands of Danny Ainge.