When the Boston Celtics traded away Jeff Green, the common sentiment was that Brandon Bass would be the next to go.
Well, it now looks like Bass might not only stick around for the rest of this season, but he could even receive a contract extension, too.
“Right now, Brandon is with us, and Brandon may be with us next year and the year after that, as well,” Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge told CSNNE’s A. Sherrod Blakely on Wednesday.
Bass has been a key contributor for the Celtics this season even while starting just 12 of their first 51 games. The forward is averaging 9.5 points and 4.2 rebounds as he continues to adjust to his new role as an occasional — rather than every-night — starter.
“What I like about Brandon, he just … he’s never satisfied with his role,” Ainge told CSNNE. “He goes about his job the same, every day. He’s a rare guy in that he’s getting better. I think he’s better right now than he’s ever been in his career. And I think his upside is still ahead of him.”
Other teams are interested in Bass and fellow Celtics veterans Tayshaun Prince and Marcus Thornton as Thursday’s NBA trade deadline approaches, but none have been willing to meet Ainge’s asking price, according to a report by Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald.
There’s a chance all three could still be with the team when it takes the court Friday night in Sacramento.
Thumbnail photo via Eric Hartline/USA TODAY Sports Images
