Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn't the Boston Celtics trade for Jimmy Butler instead of Kyrie Irving?
The Celtics had three main concerns about Butler: timing issues since they weren't ready to make franchise-changing trades before the 2017 draft, potential chemistry problems between Butler and Gordon Hayward both on court and as personalities, and Butler's age since he was 2.5 years older than Irving.
What were the Celtics' concerns about Jimmy Butler and Gordon Hayward playing together?
Boston worried that Butler and Hayward wouldn't mesh well as personalities, and on the court both players create their own offense but aren't true facilitators. The Celtics feared their collective isolation plays would slow the offense to a pace not conducive to modern NBA basketball.
How did Jimmy Butler's age factor into Boston's decision to pursue Kyrie Irving instead?
Irving was 25 years old, making him 2.5 years younger than Butler, which was crucial for Boston's long-term plans. The Celtics wanted to build around young players like Tatum and Brown for dominance in 2020 and beyond, and Irving's age fit that timeline better.
Did the Boston Celtics have concerns about Jimmy Butler's personality?
Yes, the Celtics had concerns about how Butler and Hayward would mesh as personalities. There are hints that Danny Ainge may have seen Butler's growing ego and "Hollywood as Hell" persona as problematic, especially compared to Hayward's humble and quiet reputation.
Why was the timing wrong for a Jimmy Butler trade to Boston?
The Bulls wanted to trade Butler before the 2017 draft to move up in the lottery, but Boston wasn't ready to make franchise-changing trades at that time. The Celtics preferred to sign their first star in free agency and then jump into the trade market afterward.