Dealer Danny is on the clock.
Danny Ainge, the Boston Celtics president of basketball operations, finds himself one week away from the 2020 NBA Draft and quickly approaching the start of free agency.
Meanwhile, rumors have been swirling about the Celtics, who hold three first-round picks, and what could be in store for the organization. Ainge addressed said rumors during a media availability with reporters Wednesday, providing a pretty blunt admission of where the Celtics stand.
“We are ready for it to begin,” Ainge said, per per Boston Sports Journal’s Brian Robb. “We are trying to make some deals before the draft to improve our team.”
Boston possesses first-round picks No. 14, 26 and 30.
“We always look at everything all the way up until we make our pick. You have to make good deals,” Ainge said, per Yahoo! Sports’ Keith Smith. “It’s not ideal to add four more rookies to the team.”
Ainge did, however, explain how the Celtics wouldn’t settle for trades just to make one, even if that means they benefit from one less pick.
“Like I always said, we are trying to do good deals, not just deals. I know there are a lot of opinions on what we should and shouldn’t do, but it’s hard to get deals done,” Ainge added, per Robb.
It also makes it a bit easier for Ainge considering Boston has a core group already on its roster.
“We don’t feel a need to have to do anything, because we like our guys,” Ainge said, per Smith. “Some see that as overvaluing our players, but we do value them. They’ve been to the final four three of the last four years. That’s not nothing. The best step could be player development.”
The NBA Draft will be held Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. ET.
