Danny Ainge, the Boston Celtics’ Executive Director, Basketball Operations and General Manager, has been named the NBA’s Executive of the Year by Sporting News.

Sporting News sent two executives from each NBA team a ballot for this voting process. Only 47 of the 60 ballots were returned. Ainge received 18 of the 47 votes, edging out Los Angels Lakers’ General Manager Mitch Kupchak, who received 14 votes. New Orleans Hornets’ General Manager Jeff Bower received 12 votes. As reported by TICKER:

“[Ainge] orchestrated a stunning and record setting turnaround of a struggling team with two great trades and various other roster acquisitions,” Toronto Raptors General Manager Bryan Colangelo said.

The turnaround Colangelo was referring to is the greatest single-season improvement in NBA history. Last season’s Boston squad finished 24-58. After two blockbuster deals and a few key free agent signings in the off-season, the Celtics finished the 2007-08 campaign 66-16.

Kevin Garnett, Boston’s most notable off-season acquisition, was dealt from the Minnesota Timberwolves for a boatload of young talent; including Al Jefferson.

A few days after the Garnett deal took place; Boston acquired Ray Allen from the Seattle Supersonics in exchange for Delonte West, Wally Szczerbiak and the rights to Boston’s No. 5 overall pick in the NBA Draft. Seattle would select Georgetown forward Jeff Green with that pick. Boston also received rights to Seattle’s 35th pick – LSU’s Glen Davis.

Ainge also added free agents James Posey and Eddie House last summer, and acquired Sam Cassell and P.J. Brown after the trade deadline.

According to Hoopshype.com, Boston’s payroll this season reached $75,534,021, fifth highest in the NBA. 74% of that total is due to Boston’s three top players – Kevin Garnett ($23,750,000), Paul Pierce ($16,360,095) and Ray Allen ($16,000,000).

Sporting News writer Stan McNeal will present the award to Ainge before Wednesday’s Game 5 between the Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The series is currently tied at two games a piece.