Trader Danny

After the Celtics traded the number one overall pick to the 76ers, there was a collective frustration among the Celtics faithful.

That frustration continued during draft night after the Celtics decided to draft Jason Tatum with the third overall pick instead of trading the pick for a proven player.

However, combined with this frustration was also a sense of hope and trust in Danny Ainge.

Celtics fans have learned throughout the years that, with Ainge, things are not always as they appear.

In the past, Ainge has made moves out of nowhere. For example, when he traded for Ray Allen, nobody knew that he was also obtaining Kevin Garnett to form a “big three.”

After the Celtics signed Gordon Hayward on Tuesday, Celtics fans’ firm belief in “trader Danny” was reaffirmed.

As the news broke out Tuesday afternoon, excitement swept all over Boston. After losing out on a possible Paul George or Kristaps Porzingis trade, and after failing to sign Kevin Durant last summer, Celtics fans needed a superstar to sign with their team.

Gordon Hayward is that superstar.

With a unique ability to score in different ways, Hayward will give the Celtics a much needed second scorer to add to Isaiah Thomas.

Although the Celtics are still far away from competing with the Cavs and Warriors, Hayward is an important first step.

The Celtics are still most likely one all-star away from making it interesting, but it is difficult to believe that Ainge is done moving his pieces.

After trading Avery Bradley for Marcus Morris this afternoon to make cap space for Hayward’s contract, the Celtics starting lineup could consist of Thomas, Hayward, Jay Crowder, Morris, and Al Horford. They would also have key young players off the bench with Jaylen Brown, Tatum, Terry Rozier, and Marcus Smart.

That is a solid core of 8 or 9 players. With one more asset, preferably a big man like Marc Gasol, this could be a very good basketball team.

We will have to wait and see what Ainge’s next move will be. We will be watching.