Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge is thinking about stepping down after a difficult season, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Woj says Ainge is “seriously considering his future with the franchise” at this time.
The Celtics were just eliminated by the Brooklyn Nets in five games in the first round of the playoffs. After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last season, Boston suffered through a brutal campaign marred by health issues, including plenty of COVID-19 problems. Celtics star Jayson Tatum missed time with COVID-19 and had lingering aftereffects.
The Celtics got the No. 7 seed in the East and beat the Washington Wizards in the play-in tournament to secure the matchup against the Nets, but they were no match for them. Jaylen Brown didn't play in the series after suffering a season-ending wrist injury.
Ainge has been an executive with the Celtics for nearly two decades after spending part of his playing career in Boston. He built the 2008 championship team by making bold moves for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, earning Executive of the Year honors for his efforts. The 62-year-old got the nickname “Trader Danny” for his penchant for making big moves, though in recent years he has also been the object of mockery around the NBA for all of the leaks suggesting Boston was close to making a trade for a star player.
Ainge leaving the Celtics would be quite the stunner. However, Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix says if Ainge does walk way, it wouldn't be to retire. Instead, Ainge would then look for another opportunity elsewhere.
If Ainge does resign, assistant general manager Mike Zarren could be an option to replace him.
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