Danny Ainge decision time on trade deadline, buyout market & Jabari Bird

The trade deadline is February 7th, and things will get crazy in the next nine days with the Anthony Davis saga ongoing. But what can't be ignored for playoff-bound teams is the March 1st date. Any players waived prior to that date can be signed by any team and participate in the 2019 post-season. Teams heading to the lottery often buy out veteran players to give the younger guys more floor time - and frankly, to tank - hoping for a higher draft pick.


Jabari Bird is still on the Celtics roster as he awaits trial on kidnapping and assault charges. Although I wish him well in life and in his basketball career, I would hate to ever see him in a Celtics uniform again. If Boston's roster remains the same after the February 7th trade deadline, Danny may need that roster spot if the right buyout candidate becomes available. Who might those be?

For the Celtics purposes, the player needs to be on an expiring contract. Zach Randolph of the Sacramento Kings would be a decent fit with Boston, but the Kings may still have playoff hopes. Rudy Gay of the Spurs is a remote possibility, but the Spurs are in the post-season race right now, and they need Rudy for that.


Trevor Ariza of the Washington Wizards would work should the Wizards buy his contract out. He is averaging 37.6 MPG, 15.1 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.3 APG and 1.6 SPG. Washington has a 21-29 record, and with John Wall out for the season, they are going nowhere. Buying Ariza out and sending him to a contender would benefit both teams.

And now to the Jabari Bird matter. He was arraigned this morning on new charges related to his initial arrest. The charges are for threatening and intimidation. Bird will appear in court again next month. Danny Ainge is currently waiting for some resolution from the NBA, but he may eventually have to take action on his own if an open roster spot would benefit the team. There will be players waived prior to the March 1st date. Danny will be waiting to see who they are.

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Photo via Christopher Evans/Boston Herald