Offseason Celtics SWAG’s 2020

There are a lot of different directions that Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics can go this offseason. They could shake things up in a big way by trading Gordon Hayward and others. They could largely run it back with some minor changes on the margins. Or perhaps something in between like several new faces in the second unit.

All kinds of smart people will give you great options to look at but will any of them be Silly, Wild, Amazing Guesses? I’ve got some and I’m totally content being wrong. Unless, of course, I’m right and then I’ll brag about it. A lot. Like annoyingly often. So without further ado, here are my SWAG’s:

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Danny Ainge will trade up in the draft

Feels like the year to finally see this happen. It is a “bad” draft in that there’s not a lot of sure-thing talent at the top (at least that’s what the draft experts say). It seems to be pretty “flat” from mid lottery to the 20’s so some team might feel like they can still get “their guy” later in the draft and pick up a few extra picks to boot. If Ainge likes a guy in the #6 to #9 range and wants to give up 2 or 3 picks to get him, he won’t hesitate. There isn’t enough roster spots to add three new rookies anyway.

Gordon Hayward will pick up his option and not be traded

That isn’t to say he won’t be traded during the season, but it feels like he’s going to be back in Boston to begin the year at least. I’m skeptical that the two sides can come up with an opt-out renegotiation number that makes sense for both sides. He’s still very valuable to this team and can be a key piece to running things back.

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Enes Kanter will pick up his player option and get traded

Kanter has his value (in particular in the regular season) and the Celtics would have use for him next year in the center rotation. However, he has a movable contract number and if packaged with a player or two (Poirier? Ojeleye?) and perhaps a pick, he might be able to bring back a useful player for the bench. Hollinger suggested Larry Nance Jr. Then again, he also suggested dumping Kanter and Poirier for a 2nd rounder to save on luxury tax money.

Nemanja Bjelica was a name that was in the rumor mill at the trade deadline. I just feel like the team needs to make some moves to improve the bench and moving Kanter might be a good way to do so.

Jayson Tatum will sign a max extension

Well, duh.

Give him all the money. Sign all of his friends. Make Deuce an honorary ballboy for life. Anything he wants.

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Aron Baynes will be back as a free agent

Call it wishful thinking/guessing, but I really want this to happen. I need more Baynes in my life.

Other players will play elsewhere next year

In addition to Kanter, I’m predicting that we’ve seen the last of Brad Wanamaker, Semi Ojeleye, Javonte Green, Vincent Poirier, and Carsen Edwards. Most of those guys could and should find homes in the NBA, but I don’t think they’ve carved out enough of a niche in Boston to come back.

The kids are alright

On the flipside, I think we’ll see more of Tremont Waters, Robert Williams, Grant Williams, and (once healthy) Romeo Langford next season.

That’s all I’ve got for now. I’ll probably spend some time on the trade machine and make up ridiculous trade ideas, but let’s just save those for another day, shall we?

Now it is your turn, what are your SWAGs for the offseason?