NBA Trade Rumors 2016: Celtics' Danny Ainge Discusses 'Mystery Deal' That Collapsed

By Miguel Vasquez, Christian Post Contributor Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Boston Celtics' President for Basketball Operations Danny Ainge recently revealed a "mystery trade" that did not push through.

In a series of tweets by Adam Kaufman of CBS Sports Radio, NESN and Boston.com, Ainge had disclosed news about a deal that was ready to go, which involved a "bigger package," but fell through because the unidentified team backed out late. Kaufman also claimed that Ainge had also revealed that the Brooklyn Nets was one of the teams involved in the said deal, but did not disclose the others that were involved.

Ainge also reportedly says that the said deal "would have surprised fans" since there were no trade rumors circulating and reported about the said player. Kaufman also says that the Boston Celtics management then decided to just keep the said player until the end of the season, then revisit their original plans after.

In another report by the Boston Herald, it was hinted that the mystery player was the Philadelphia 76ers' big man Jahlil Okafor.

In a later report, still without mentioning the mystery player's name, Ainge adds that similar to how they acquired Kevin Garnett in 2007, the Celtics would be re-evaluating the deal over the summer.

"I feel good that we still have a lot of good young players -- a lot of good, young players on good contracts, a team that's playing really well, a great coach, and we have a lot of assets," Ainge told 98.5 Sports Hub. "So we'll just see how it goes the next time around this summer."

Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks were trying to sign the Sixers' reserve point guard Kendall Marshall for several weeks prior to the February 18th trade deadline.

In a report by Jake Pavorsky for SBNation.com's Liberty Ballers, the Bucks began the talks with the Sixers as far back as January, and even offered point guard Tyler Ennis. Phildelphia, however, turned down the offer.

For the current season, Marshall has played in 16 games so far and is averaging 3.9 points, 3.1 assists, and 0.9 rebounds, through 13.6 minutes of playing time per game.