Celtics not including Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum in Paul George trade talk

With all of their assets, the Celtics are best positioned to complete a deal for Paul George, but so far, they aren't willing to add enough to the pot.

The Boston Celtics have no intentions of letting go of their youth, not even for an All-Star like Paul George.

President Danny Ainge is reportedly not willing to include forwards Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, this and last year's No. 3 overall picks in the draft. Ainge has also halted any trade talks involving their 2018 first-round selections from the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe — greatly reducing the list of attractive assets they can offer for George.

New Indiana Pacers president Kevin Pritchard has proved to be just as tough of a customer as his predecessor Larry Bird, asking for both first-rounders as well as starting-caliber players in exchange for the sought-after talisman.

The Celtics were reportedly working on acquiring soon-to-be free agent Gordon Hayward as a top priority and using him as yet another piece to entice George to possibly re-sign with the team if they end up acquiring his services.

This plan serves as a safeguard, adding the most likely option right away instead of potentially throwing it all away for the vague possibility that George might stay.

Ainge has played his cards correctly thus far and has been a tough negotiator since acquiring the top pick in the draft, making moves and collecting assets while making sure the Celtics come out on the winning end of the exchange.

George has also drawn interest from the Lakers and the newly-charged Houston Rockets, but no team has been able to garner enough interest from Pritchard and company to consider George's possible addition.