The Celtics Didn't Even Attempt to Trade for Cousins: Are They Building for Something Better?

DeMarcus "Boogie" Cousins has been traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.  The Pelicans sent over Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, and a couple picks to acquire the best real big man in basketball.  My question is, did the Celtics miss out on him? And, is there reasoning behind not making any sort of an attempt?  

So first and foremost, anyone that knows me, knows I love DeMarcus.  I would've absolutely loved to have reached the #BoogieToBoston finale. However, it is clear that that is not happening. Most likely never happening now. When you stop and think about it there is a few clear reasons to the Celtics not even making an attempt to snag Boogie.

The first reason that would be clear to me is that they, as an organization, just undervalue Cousins.  The Celtics have, without question, the best trade assets in the entire league. Especially when it comes to draft picks.  The Kings made is very clear they were looking for picks, young players, and expiring contracts.  Well, that pretty much sums up the Celtics squad in terms of trade-ability.  So where were the C's in the trade talks? Nowhere to be found.  Reportedly, they were not even attempting to speak to Sacramento. That means they did not care what the asking price was for him.  That means they did not want to give up any of their assets for him. That means they don't think DeMarcus Cousins is a good enough piece in return for their picks. Do I agree with this? Hell no.  I love Boogie, I am biased.  Do I see where they are coming from? I guess I can get myself there.

The next reason that I have arrived at is that the C's have their mind set on another target.  This could be the biggest factor into them not even attempting to call Sacramento.  No matter the asking price, they already have a plan and have spoken to other organizations, perhaps mapping out a trade.  Maybe it is the Bulls and Jimmy Butler. Maybe the Celts and the Bulls have a rough draft of a trade drawn up.  That would explain the reasoning behind the Celtics not even testing the waters for Cousins. Now, if this is the true reason I can get behind it 1000 times more than if they were simply undervaluing the guy.

Now the third reason is simple and seemingly the most likely case. The Celtics are building for something further down the road. They are planning on using this pick, keeping it, and selecting a player in the draft. Now, dare i take it a step further and say they are planning on taking one of the many guards at the top of the list? Perhaps. If that is the plan it would lead me down the road that they are planning on replacing Isaiah.  That they would not give him the max deal he deserves. However, forget the Isaiah thing.  Let's not focus on that. We need to focus on the building aspect of this. Maybe Ainge thinks the value of the pick is far larger than Cousins.  Ainge could be planning on using this year's (possibly top) pick and then making "that trade" next year. Ainge has come out and said that he is building for something bigger and he is not going to go out and get a rent-a-player.  Cousins is pretty much just that.  He even came out and said he probably wont resign anywhere if he gets traded.  So, Danny Ainge may in fact be building for something further down the road.

Now, do i agree with this? Yes and no. I want them to make that big deal now. However, does that win them a championship? Probably not actually. The league is still too tough.  Even acquiring Cousins does not solidify a conference finals appearance.  So maybe Ainge can see that.  Which if that is the true reasoning, I do fall into the "I agree" category. At the end of the day, I want a championship coming back to Boston. Maybe using the picks, building for something in the future, waiting out the Cavs, and putting themselves in a better future position is the way to win that championship.


All in all, I have to revert back to my trust in Danny Ainge. Always have, always will.  He catches flack for not trading sometimes, but that is because people have such high expectations from him when it comes to trading.  On a side note, I am also starting to feel more comfortable in his drafting abilities.  Many have said he lacks in that category, but I think he dose just fine. 

So, did they undervalue Boogie? Do they have another trade in place? Or are they building for the future? Time will tell.



Evan Singleton
@EvanSingleton33 ​

Photo: (Vuox)