In a recent episode of the Knuckleheads podcast with Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles, former Celtics executive Danny Ainge disclosed his attempt to acquire Jimmy Butler from the Chicago Bulls during his tenure with Boston.
However, the trade demands were substantial, causing the deal to fall through. This twist of fate led to an unexpected turn of events that shaped the Celtics’ future.
“Some of the best trades I ever made were the ones I wasn’t able to make,” Ainge admitted during the podcast, via ClutchPoints. The failed pursuit of Butler resulted in Boston holding onto their assets, which ultimately translated into drafting talents like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
While the Butler trade didn’t come to fruition, it indirectly paved the way for the emergence of two key players who have since become integral parts of the Celtics’ roster. Brown recently signed a record-setting $304 million deal with Boston.
