In retrospect, I think the tipping point was Irving’s dismay at the level of success the Cs had in last years playoffs without him
Kyrie was so dismayed he verbally committed to resigning with Boston just a couple of months after his peak "dismay"
people can try to blame Hayward’s existence but that’s crap
Set aside player psycho-analysis for a second and look at the Celtics situation objectively.
This team has a $33+ million black hole on its roster for each of the next two years.
What superstar would look at Boston as a destination to win now knowing the team is financially handicapped by $67 million over the next two years?
With 29 other teams all scrambling for superstars, the truly special players will not be settling on teams with roster constraints.
The personality clashes could have been easily eliminated this year if Kyrie chose to stay allowing Ainge to get down to business trading his collection of young assets/rabble-rousers to secure that definitive piece he has so desired for a decade.
But the problem would still remain, Haywards's contract/play cripples the team's ability to fill out the roster with quality.
Imagine scrimmaging and playing games with a guy who can't jump, has no speed, and most importantly can't shoot....and knowing your future would be impacted by the performance and salary of this guy. Hayward's performance directly impacts the team and the cap space he consumes handcuffs the team from being able to fix the obvious.
If you disagree, then you also must believe John Wall's contract doesn't cripple Washington's ability to bring in star FAs committed to winning titles.
Star that sucks.....meh
Bad contract....meh
Star that sucks with a bad contract.....irrelevant
Pretend all you want...... Hayward is an anchor until he proves he's back in elite form.
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It is the offseason and player psycho-analysis is about all we have left to dwell on......until.......Trader Danny dazzles us with a "C" list star that current elite teams have all passed on.
Sadly, we'll likely have a new narrative to focus on soon.
Trader Danny will sign one of these "C" list centers to a massive long term contract.
Prepare yourself