Danny Ainge 'Seriously Considering' Future With Celtics

With the Boston Celtics now eliminated from the postseason, all eyes have turned to President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Ainge is "seriously considering his future with the franchise and could make a decision to step down."

The former Executive of the Year has received flack heading into this year's playoffs, primarily for his inability to concoct a well-rounded roster, considering the slew of draft picks the organization possesses. The Celtics' on-court chemistry was hindered due to the criticism garnered by Ainge, as well as majority owner Wycliffe Grousbeck, per Jared Weiss of The Athletic.

Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge is seriously considering his future with the franchise and could make a decision to step down, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 2, 2021

 

Sources say public criticism from Danny Ainge & Grousbeck may have strained Celtics’ on-court chemistry as a roster depleted by health struggled mightily.

With Woj reporting Ainge is considering stepping down, how can the franchise get on the same page? https://t.co/AEpRn3wxR5

— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) June 2, 2021

If Ainge does indeed decide to relieve himself of his duties, he isn't expected to retire. The Hall of Famer has been at the forefront of the Celtics' management team for nearly two decades and doesn't appear to be slowing down. One team rumored to be in the Ainge sweepstakes is the Utah Jazz.

If Danny Ainge exits, he isn’t expected to retire, sources told @SInow. Ainge has been running the Celtics for nearly two decades. Sense is he would look for other opportunities.

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) June 2, 2021

 

Danny Ainge had been rumored to leave the Celtics for some time early in the playoffs.

One team mentioned has been the Utah Jazz if he were to leave for another team.

— Clevis Murray (@ClevisMurray) June 2, 2021

Despite Ainge being the subject of speculation, Celtics stalwart Marcus Smart told the media that "it's nothing to stress about." He offered their three Eastern Conference Finals appearances in the previous four years as proof.

Asked whether this is a sign the Celtics need to change their organizational approach, Smart chuckled and said they had been to the Eastern Conference Finals three of the previous four years.

"I don't think it's nothing to stress about. ... I think we're all right."

— Jay King (@ByJayKing) June 2, 2021

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports