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Boston Celtics: How Danny Ainge Single-Handedly Dismantled The Nets

By Jacob Little

Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics fans react as they take on the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Hawks 111-103. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics fans react as they take on the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Hawks 111-103. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Looking back at how Danny Ainge, en route to rebuilding the Boston Celtics, single-handedly dismantled the Brooklyn Nets

The Boston Celtics have traded Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the Brooklyn Nets.

Some people couldn’t believe the headlines, at the same time no one could believe the slew of assets that was obtained in return. Danny Ainge, often called “Trader Danny”, lived up to his name on June 27th, 2013.

Danny Ainge came across a deal with the Nets general manager Billy King (at the time) that he simply couldn’t pass on.

The Trade:

Celtics Receive:                                                                Nets Receive:

As you can see, the trade seems a bit lopsided. The Boston Celtics are essentially receiving eight players, if you include the draft picks, and the Nets are receiving three. Not only does the trade seem lopsided, but Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry were all 35 years of age or older at the time of the move.

It seemed as if Billy King was looking for instant gratification and success without regard to the future of the franchise. On the other hand, the only thing Ainge had in mind was the future.

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Ainge added three first round picks to his already loaded arsenal of weapons.

As you can imagine, many Nets fans called for Billy King to be fired immediately. While Celtics fans hated to see two Hall of Famers be traded, the return on investment soothed the pain. Danny Ainge not only lived up to his nickname, but got a huge jumpstart on the Boston Celtics rebuild.

"[via ESPN]“I knew it was coming, Danny and I had talked about that over the last three or four weeks. I knew all this was going to happen. It’s obviously sad whenever an era or time ends, and it has now. That’s the sad part.” – Doc Rivers on the blockbuster trade"

Three years down the road, the Nets are easily one of the worst teams in the NBA. On the other hand, the Celtics are just beginning to come onto the scene as a contender in the Eastern Conference.

The worst part about it for the Nets is that they are just starting their rebuild. And what is the best way to rebuild? Through the draft.

The Boston Celtics own the right to swap first round picks with the Nets in 2017, and their 2018 first round pick. Seeing as how the Nets are one of the worst teams in the league, you can imagine how  useful this will be to the Celtics.

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Overall, this could go down as one of the worst trades in the history of the NBA, unless you are a Celtics fan. While Boston’s roster has vastly improved since the trade, Ainge will still be looking to make some deals.

The Nets on the other hand, have what seems a long and painful rebuild ahead of them. Thanks to Boston Celtics and Danny Ainge.

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