The 5 best trades Danny Ainge ALMOST made

1. Danny Ainge almost trades for Jimmy Butler

Though George was a direct part of the plan for Ainge’s hope that he play alongside Hayward, the amount of time Butler has been rumored to be a trade target for the Celtics seemed like Ainge’s attempt to speak it into existence. (But that’s it.) That he would hope for it, and try for it so hard, that the universe would surreptitiously, and serendipitously, force Gar Forman’s phone to autocorrect to “Yes” in a text message response when deal was offered. (Which Ainge knew would never happen. How often does “Hell no” ever autocorrect to “yes”?)

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If Ainge’s almost-trade for Butler proves anything, it’s that for all the guys he says he’s willing to give up, he’s not willing to give up any of them. It’s a move without making a move. Jae Crowder became a sticking point. Then there were reports Ainge wasn’t willing to give up the third pick in this year’s draft straight up for Butler. Some would argue that that report isn’t necessarily true, but Ainge already refused to give up his Nets pick — which is now Tatum — for Griffin, Cousins and George. What makes Jimmy Butler so much more special than them? His great contract? His two extra years of control? His being one of the best two-way players in the league? Nope. To Ainge, he’s just another pawn in his chess game. Are your eyes open yet?