Ainge catches a big Bass for 3 years $20 million

Ainge keeps checking off goals for this off-season.  His latest accomplishment is shoring up the PF position by signing Bass for a reported $20 million over the next 3 seasons.  This seems like a good deal for Bass who probably would have gotten this somewhere else, but decided he liked what the Celtics were shaping up to be.  It’s also interesting to note that this $6.5  million/per year is right around what Big Baby made with his most recent contract.  And I think we can all agree that Bass the better player.

Another thing to notice from this signing is that it clearly shows that the Celtics are committed to rolling out KG as the center again, which in my opinion is the right move.  Putting Bass at the 4 and KG at the 5 last season paid huge dividends for the Celtics as we learned that in the modern NBA, the 5 doesn’t have to be a traditional center.

I was wrong initially in my prediction that Ainge would do a sign and trade with Bass for another big, but the more I think about it, the more this move makes sense.  Bass and KG will be able to play starters minutes, while mentoring the young bigs (JJJ, Melo, Sullinger and possibly Steamer).  It also provides the Celtics with a proven sharpshooter from the free throw line down the stretch of games which is essential come playoff time.

Next up on Danny’s checklist is Jeff Green.  After that we have to hope for Ray to come to his senses and come back home.