Kendrick Perkins Praised Danny Ainge For The Evan Fournier Trade
Did the Celtics rob the Magic in the Evan Fournier trade? Kendrick Perkins thinks so. The former Celtics big man praised Danny Ainge for pulling off an apparent heist. Boston gave up two second round picks to acquire the French guard which was enough for Perk to give this reaction.
“I thought Danny did Danny things and did a wonderful job,” Perkins said during the “Celtics Trade Deadline Special” program, as transcribed by NBC Sports Boston. “He’s out here trading used cars and getting back Escalades. That’s what he did, he finessed the Orlando Magic. He got back Evan Fournier for two second-round picks. Hell of a job.
“Just think about it. We talk about that shot last night (Wednesday) that Marcus Smart took, that wide-open 3-point shot. And I’m not saying that he shouldn’t take it and he can’t make it. But guess what? Nine times out of 10, Evan Fournier, he’s not even getting that shot because people aren’t leaving him that wide-open. That’s why he’s effective. Even if he’s not touching the ball, they still have to honor him as a decoy even being on the floor, which opens up the paint for Kemba (Walker), Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum.”
Danny Ainge was busy during the deadline. Daniel Theis, Jeff Teague, and Javonte Green were all sent packing. Fournier, Mo Wagner, and Luke Kornet were brought in. The expectation is Kornet will be waived if Boston signs anyone to a buyout deal.
On the surface, two second round picks for Fournier does seem like a steal. We’re talking about a guy averaging close to 20 points per game while being able to knock down a three consistently. Then again, he’s also a free agent at the end of the season and is no lock to stay. Boston also has $11 million remaining on their trade exception.
Kendrick Perkins obviously thinks Evan Fournier will have a major impact in Boston. The Celtics need to get their act together quickly who are in danger of missing the postseason currently sitting in 8th place.
