In June of 2019, the Celtics‘ assiduously assembled roster appeared to be falling apart by the day.
Kyrie Irving, the supremely talented centerpiece of then-president of basketball operations Danny Ainge’s rebuilding effort, was poised to reverse course of his earlier promise to sign a long-term contract and leave Boston as a free agent.
Even more of a surprise was the news that Al Horford, the biggest free agent signing in team history (and stalwart front-court contributor) was declining his $30.1 million option and intended to head elsewhere.
That, coupled with the disappointment of trade target Anthony Davis ending up with the rival Lakers instead of with the Celtics, amounted to something of a disaster.