Would Danny Ship Out The Captain?

I think after last night’s loss many in media are starting to speak out more about this team’s struggles. Today at work I read so many article on Boston’s current struggles. People aren’t sure what the problem is with the Celtics? Age, injuries or out of shape?

I hope that this current team can get it together sooner than later because it’s painful to watch them play at this moment.

It would have to be really good deal to give up a lifer in Pierce, one of only 4 current players who have played more than 10 seasons with the same team.

Keeping anyone for “sentimental” reasons is nuts. Should be grounds for dismissal.

But there are two things I’d like to see go away:
- Puns on the word “Truth”…. should be limited to no more than 1 per day.
- “That said”, “having said that”, “that being said”, blablabla

do it asap. this team is done. trade everyone. even if they get it together its a first round playoff loss.

I would be sad if PP was traded. He was my first “favorite” basketball player. Rondo was my second.

That said:
What about Pierce to Orlando for Turkoglu, Ryan Anderson (RFA this year) and as many picks (preferably unprotected) as they’re willing to give us? Then we amnesty Turkoglu (Orlando can’t amnesty Turkoglu because they already amnestied Arenas, which is why the deal makes nominal sense for them.)

don’t feel tooo bad for him wherever he is, even if it’s with a cellar dweller, which it won’t be.

This organization has given as much to him as he has to it…moreso, actually….time for him to give a little more by helping our rebuild, hopefilly on the fly.

We may have thought of trading him for the pick that was CP3, but he was also ready to bolt if Danny didn’t get Ray.

It’s business.

and for Boston Celtics that is #34 Paul Pierce. Mere talent alone cannot win a championship (see Miami Heat). We still need him to lead the team that will be loaded with talent next season, even not as a scoring option but as a veteran instigator.

Just don’t see a team with trade assets (Utah/Indy/Minn) or a contender giving back equal value. Nothing more than a low first rounder and bad contract lasting more than a year is not enough. Let’s wait and see if they can break through and develop a rythum.

The day Paul Pierce is traded for a one year advance in cap space and picks is a sad day for the Boston Celtics family. We are already in an excellent position to rebuild with him on board, he is a proven vet that can help with the transition, and his salary will come off the books at a reasonable time during that process. Unless there is a lopsided deal to be made, he should remain where he belongs.

At that point I’d have to consider that I am a fan more of laundry or logos than the men who have represented the team I love.

The Celtics are not just a basketball team, they are a way of life.

These are the words of the immortal Red Auerbach. Paul has embodied that way of life his entire career, he may be LA born, but he’s become one of our own. I cannot stomach seeing him in another uniform, and nothing I feel for the Celtics will ever be the same if Danny does this.

I don’t care if it extends our rebuilding window a couple years, Pierce should retired a Celtic. End of story.

If Danny trades The Truth then that just proves to me he’s an idiot and just got lucky with the Allen and KG deal. This a guy who severed ties to LA just because he love Boston so much. SMH.

Regardless of this team’s recent struggles give them a few more games to get things together. You don’t trade Paul Pierce, the captain of the Celtics for 13 years. I could be wrong, but I think the Celtics will improve their play.

Or NJ and NY for that matter when it comes to incoming bad contracts (Gordon/Villaneua)

I would definitely do it. And for all of those that say that they’ll stop being fans…I’ll believe it when I see it.

As soon as the Celtics start winning again…they’ll be back like little Fan Boys!

But depends on what we’re gettin back though. I still want us to be contenders this season so why dont we get a nice athletic sf who can create his own shot. Oh and while he’s at it, ship KG too

GM’s that fall for that sentimental bs should be fired. If you get a good deal for Pierce you do it. Remember its a BUSINESS. Bring him back in two years so he can eclipse Larry Bird. Trade Rondo for a lottery pick and do a full blown total rebuild. Under no circumstances is this team winning a title this year. The only way next year to “possibly” win a title, is if you sign two free agents and resign KG and Allen to one year deals and bring back Pierce, Bass, and Jeff Green. Those are the two options. If Pierce was traded, could you imagine the rumors for the next two years??? With $45mil in space, they’d be attached to EVERY single rumor involving sign and trades and free agent signings. The main problem with the cap space, is every franchise player save for Dwight Howard is locked up….Lebron, Paul, Kobe, Durant, Wade, Dirk, etc.

Wow after banner 17 all of you want to ship the big 3 outta here huh? Just remember the law of karma.

and we dont want to be in the lottery for 4 years. They got their title, made MILLIONS of dollars, its a business. If the guy that mows your lawn keeps missing spots and doing a bad job, are you going to keep him on your payroll? You’re going to get a better lawn mowerer (?) If Pierce gets you 2 firsts, you do it.

Right now they may be struggling, but let’s not forget we’ve been down this road in 2010. Later during the 2010 season the Celtics pulled it together and made it to the finals. Obviously this team is different. Perkins, Allen, Davis, West and Shaq are all gone, the Celtics core are older.

Before or after the 2012 the Celtics could have a totally look. I do believe once Garnett, Allen and Pierce move I don’t see the Celtics being relevant for a while. It’s going to be hard to replace Garnett, Allen and Pierce because they were special talents.

Doesn’t exist…if it did then after the deaths of Bias and Lewis the Celtics would have gotten two great players to replace them. It didn’t happen.

Heres a better question…whats an NBA championship worth? Because Pierce could put a team over the top. Please Danny dont not trade Pierce because of the sentimental stuff, if teams are calling that means he has value…whats not to like about that?

1. Clippers 2. Orlando 3. Memphis 4. OKC. 5. Denver. 6. Houston I cant see why any other team would want him.

What kind of package would be attractive to you all from the Wolves? As a Wolves fan who began following the Celtics when Ray and KG came over, I know how much the Truth would change the Wolves into winners. Anything around Derrick Williams (Who is stuck behind Kevin Love) that is enticing? Obviously Rubio and Love wouldn’t be traded so what else would make sense in rebuilding a team around Rondo? Like Rubio, it’s about athletes (Rubio is making Anthony Randolph look much better than he is) I assume.

Thoughts? What else in addition to D Williams?

PP, OJ and Bradley for Wes Matthews, Nicolas Batum and Camby………..

Trading away Pierce is like trading away Larry Bird, or Bill Russel.
Hes a celtic legend, and as such he wont be traded.
He gave alot to the team and will continue to give it his all.
Plus Pierce stated from before, if he wants to play for another team it will be a European team since he and his family would like to travel and explore other countries.

a…Beasley for sure, Darko, and a first probably gets it done. I think Beasley is very underused. He always seems to burn the Cletics.

and that 1st has to be unprotected.

Bird or Russell he’s not

PP goes to Europe we lose, at least get something.

What’s that …… besides PP and Rondo who are true Celtics and both picks.

dump PP and cry about losing a big clod like perkins. Now thats loyalty!

The Clodhopper, u remember

We all know that this team isn’t gonna win a title with this roster I personally think we should keep ray and pierce for this whole season and trade rondo for Williams but I rather trade rondo for John wall and McGhee to rebuild around wall and trade kg for a young talented star and trade jermaine and Bradley and Wilcox together for some young players who can shoot and run the ball or might as well Top picks and see how it goes from there and hopefully Dwight comes here to Boston and play with wall for a contending team. Plus seeing a legend on my era would really hurt all the celtics fans I really want him to end it and retire as a celtics no doubt I would really hate to see him go.

Someone saw that too

What’s he’s pay roll and he’s outta shape, who fault

It’s been real hard to watch how this season has played out so far, but I feel like thus whole group should have the oppurtunity to right the ship and play it out. The time is coming to move on from this group, but we’re only 12 games in and I feel like they have earned the right to fix this situation. Without question there is more heart than brain in this reponse.

Danny would trade his momma, his grandma, his daughter and his dog! Trust me, if he sees a deal in which Pierce is wanted he’ll drop him in a second! No respect for tradition!

However, please don’t do this, Danny, not under any circumstances. Allow Pierce to retire a Celtic like he deserves. I still have hopes that, given time, this team will get back on track and surprise some people

pierce for big al works on the trade checker…
just sayin’

The time is here, let’s be truthful, something needs to done and very soon.

Which teams (in theory) would be interested in him and what do they have to offer us thats worth giving up the face of the franchise?

Bulls: Not much
Magic: Not much
Lakers: Nothing
Spurs: Not Much
Clippers: They may have something but are probably unwilling to trade it
OKC: Same as the Clippers, may not want to give up the right pieces.

If Pierce gets traded it will be solely for salary dump / tanking (high draft) purposes.
Mind you though, if this happens we have the opportunity to sign a couple of max contracts in the offseason + another good player and still keep Rondo or trade him for something good. But will the big free agents want to sign with us? If not then trading Pierce will be a wasted exercise.

But who’s going to give up a top 5 pick that is a contender this year and would take on 32 million ?

Pierce ain’t going anywhere.
Ray Allen on the other hand….

I wear my Celtics jersey also in LA when I go to the games……….Oxnard

I don’t see what sense it makes to trade Paul Pierce at this stage. He’s a Celtics and should retire a Celtic. Eventually Ainge will have to get younger and that is likely to happen at the end of the 2012 season.

Right now the Celtics are struggling. Age, fatigue, lack of athleticism, defense and other flaws are hurting this team. I have this strange feeling that things can turn around sooner than later. Maybe that’s just me.

Expiring contract, young player &a number 1? I’d have to sorry, regardless it isn’t like he wont have his # retired

Danny ainge reminds me of the movie moneyball…….

Let’s be realistic folks. I’m reading some comments and trade ideas, but shaking my head in the process. I agree that the 4-8 record is a major concern at this point and fans, media are trying to figure what could be the cause.

The Celtics starters are not getting younger, but older and they’re clearly losing the capabilities they once had. It’s apart of being an aging athlete you just can’t cheat father time. Though I still believe it’s early enough to change things for the better.

It’s like what Jalen Rose, Skip Bayless, Mike Fertello, Shaq, Kenny Smith, Barkley are saying hope the Celtics improve and just grind it out until the post-season.

So, end of the story, guys.

Pierce Jersey # should eventually be hung from the rafters at the Garden. that much is sure. He should be afforded the opportunity to continue to compete at a higher level On another team- than we can provide. he spent too many years building and rebuilding already and should not be dragged through another at this stage of his career. Too, we need to move on and blow this thing up and trading Paul Pierce is our best and biggest asset thus bringing us the best deal. It would be a big deal for both of us. Trade him soon.

Teams already have their star players locked up. Once Garnett, Pierce and Allen are gone Boston will be more difficult to attract top players. There’s not that much talent left in the league that can make the Celtics contenders once the Big 3 are gone.

Other contending teams are not going to let their star players go. Chris Paul doesn’t want to be in Boston. David West doesn’t not want to be in Boston. Lebron, Wade and Bosh are locked in Miami. Portland Trailblazers are not letting LaMarcus Aldridge go anywhere. Grizzles are not letting Rudy Gay or OJ Mayo go anywhere. Timberwolves will likely offer Kevin Love a lot of money. The Thunder will likely offer Westbrook a lot of money. Dwight Howard wants to play in LA, NJ or Dal. Lakers would never deal Gasol and Bynum to Boston. Melo, A’mare and Chandler are locked in NY. Hornets want nothing to do with Rondo. Bulls would never deal Rose, Dang, Boozer and Noah to the Celtics. The Warriors are not trading Curry, Lee or Ellis to the Celtics.

So unless you guys want mediocre players from non-contending teams be my guest trade Paul, Kevin and Ray. lol

I love Pierce, but to be this sentimental about him is crazy. I’m a Celtics fan above everything else, and if we have an option to reload by trading Pierce, then go for it. I’m a bit more optimistic about this season than most (I think once the old guys get their legs under them, a lot of these open shots will start falling), so I see no reason to rush this. However, if we’re still struggling (or not), and somebody offers a ton for Pierce (picks, young studs, cap space – not just one of the three, though), we should pull the trigger. This doesn’t mean trading Pierce for peanuts. He could be a huge help to any contending team, especially once he gets back in shape. I’m not sure anybody would offer an awesome package, but if they do, yeah, do it. We’re almost certainly not winning the title this year, and would then have enough cap room to get 2 max contract guys and have some extra picks (presumably) or young players we get for him in return. This would be the quickest way to reload.

That said, Pierce is a fan & Wyc favorite. They’d have to get REAL value back for him, not just expiring contracts and picks.

I still say this team can turn it around. Let’s see what happens in the next 10 games or so…

He made that decision himself when he signed his last long-term contract, in my opinion.

However, im a fan of pierce but if he is sucking we cant not trade him for loyalty reasons. Danny needs to make this team contenders. Anyone that is not doing their job is capable to going bye bye. ANYONE. The way our guys take nights off, no excuse for that. Carry your weight or u might not be around. Im not against any trade for anyone, as long as the celtics get better. A way for pierce or whoever to assure that they stay celtics: do your job and night in and night out leave it all on the court

Blazers probably make this deal to be serious contenders. Although I’d rather Batum plus some kind of pick.
Clears cap space and gets a young horse to run with Rondo and play the 3 spot.

If Green comes back I wonder if they Move Batum to the 2 guard spot?
We could also use Green in a trade if needed.

After everything Pierce has done for us though, I want him sitting at every C’s game in the front row and in all the championship photos, hanging around the gym a la Bill Russell.

Heart>head.

let’s be honest, the chances of us attracting two max guys is slim to none. despite the culture and such, Boston is not a prime destination like New York, Chicago, and LA. the money coming off the books with Ray and KG’s expiring contracts is enough to sign a big piece for the future while still retaining Paul anyways.

I would definitely trade Pierce, Garnett and Allen. I’m sure there’s a lot of contenders looking for capable hall of fame veterans. I would trade those 3 to contenders to try and make those contend for a title.(sarcasm)

I’m sure teams like Miami, Chicago, LA, Denver, Portland, New York, Oklahoma are licking their chops or ringing Ainge to snatch Garnett, Pierce and Allen.

So my heart says keep Pierce — who I FINALLY warmed up to after the Allen and Garnett came on board, and he showed the leadership I’d always wanted — but my head says trade him. As much as it pains me, i say pull the trigger but only if it’s the right deal. But frankly I LOVE that he has the no-trade clause, and surely wouldn’t hold it against him if he exercised it if he felt he was getting a raw deal. For perspective, I was against the Big Al trade way back when because I liked the core Ainge had built and felt like he was mortgaging our future for the shot at ONE title at most, and then we’d be in big trouble. Well, Ainge is positioning us to have a future. You have to respect that.

Pierce will retire as a Celtic. Grousbeck won’t do sign off on it.

Trade him…. no point of hanging on when we are not winning this year with the current roster..if we hang on then hes going to look old in a couple years an then he will have no value to anyone, especially if the c’s are rebuilding.

sorry..its only a game and i believe pierce will some how manage to move on.. he woulda left if danny didnt get ray and kg most likely..

i wouldnt trade any draft picks for sasha, jo, bradley or daniels.. would u?

then I’m OK with it.

Maybe he’d like to join a contender as a valuable contributor.
It looks like it’s not gonna happen in Boston, with this year looking like a wash and then a couple years of rebuilding. By that point he’s likely no longer starter quality, and maybe not bench quality.

is untouchable that being said I wouldn’t mind screwing the Lakers by trading Ray and or KG to one of their competitors.

I would trade ray to the spurs for K. Leonard and an expiring contract. KG to houston for scola and buddinger. Pierce to the clippers for gomes and leslie… giving you a young team of rondo, Bradley, Moore, leslie, Leonard, johnson, stiemsma.. trade JO to. Chicago for a draft pick and scal.
Dooling, pietrus and bass stay to complete the starting uni w/ rondo & stiemsma

I have to keep reminding myself that the reports say other teams have been inquiring about Pierce. They don’t say Danny is shopping him.

think about that before saying we should trade Pierce

I am sorry. But how many of you have been watching the Celtics for more then just three or four years? I don’t know about you guys but I remember my first basketball jersey. I still have it, it’s a Kansas JayHawks Jersey signed by Paul Pierce. The day he became a Celtic was the day I became a Celtic for life. ( I was also 8 years old).

Back to my point though, did any of you know anything about Paul Pierce other then his service? Or his years of commitment? Or the fact he is the Team Captain. Beside all of those (oh didn’t he just hit 20,000 points as a Celtic in 09?) any how, ignoring all those accomplishments, did anyone read the news when Pierce came up for his new contract? (In 08 or 09, I honestly forget which year it was). Did you guys know he took a PAY CUT? Yes, after winning a championship and being the MVP for said championship, Paul Pierce took a PAY CUT. Why? Because this man is a commited Celtic. He took a pay cut when most players look to take a pay raise for their play. Yet, so many fans have the audacity to trade such a player?

Wait – Before you decide to think this post is just a fan ranting, continue reading.

I am not saying that if a trade worth while is presented, we should not consider it. However, I repeat the same question posted before, what would be worthy for Pierce? if anyone says a lottery pick (unprotected), i’d say that’s worth THINKING on but not a guarantee. What else is out there? Unless I hear a name like DHOWARD coming to be the new Big Green Machine (it’s unlikely), I don’t see any real names being worth trading Pierce for. If a trade that was IN FAVOR of us, i’d say it’s considerable, however, we the FANS and the organization owes Pierce WAY more then what he owes us.

That being said, this guy does deserve special consideration for all he has done for this team. Whether it’s a pay cut or staying a Celtic for all those years of not doing well. Even if that isn’t enough, i’d gladly argue the fact that this man spends so much money on helping the city of Boston, ESPECIALLY the children.

(Steps off soap box)

I hope it doesn’t happen but I guess only time will tell.

lose some games and everybody goes loco. i doubt the c’s will trade pp. 1. they need his cooperation to trade. 2. they need big time value in return and where is that value? 3. there is a loyalty factor tho not as big as you would imagine on both sides. pp was talking about leaving and used it as a threat so it goes both ways. like some blogger said, there is plenty of $ being made by pp so let’s not feel too bad for him whatever happens. let’s see what plays out and not get too boston hysterical. too many pink hats and overreactive media and fans in this region. we’ve all been shaughnessied in this town.

Several arguments have been put forth stating that a trade that has the captain leaving Boston would not be a show of fair dealing and loyalty. Paul Pierce is my favorite athlete and basketball player, period. I would love to see him retire as a Celtic. He has been loyal to the organization and was an integral part of the 08 championship team. When he was frustrated with the direction the franchise was going in pre-big three era, he informed Ainge that unless major moves were made he would want to be traded. My question for you captain and celtics fan, knowing that this team is in a downward slump, would you want to be bought-out and maybe re-sign for way less money if that is possible? Would you sacrifice money (since you have made a good chunk of it) to see the Celtics re-tool/rebuild the roster and become elite contenders again?

they just lost! optimism!

This piece goes to that question. Or could. So what does being a fan mean? I am not asking this rhetorically… I actually have an answer.

The choices are:
1- You love ‘your team’, come hell or high water, regardless of the players. This is it for you. Nothing will sway you. It really doesn’t matter who gets traded for whom.

2- You are besotted by this particular group of people, for whatever reasons. If the group changes enough, the team you once loved disappears, and so is your reason for being a fan.

The problem with #2 is…. sooner or later, you are going to be out of a team to follow. Because all teams change; in fact, all teams eventually change completely.

The problem with #1 is…. it makes you a fan of LAUNDRY, as someone put it above. You’re a fan because the team carries the name of your city, or because you like the logo, or the history, or whatever. All reasons apply EXCEPT the actual people involved…. they are apparently interchangeable.

So what’s the right answer? (Since I said there was gonna be one.) Well…. the answer is…. it’s up to you. To each his own. Some fans love the players on their team, and have to either learn to love the new ones as they come, or move on. Other fans love the laundry. (Ok, the name, the city, the history…. pick your own description.)

There is no right way or wrong way. Pick whichever way you want to waste your free time. Neither way is better than the other, imo.

But for the record, I don’t care much for laundry.

But if an offer is too good, say a pick and a promising young, doesn’t have to be a superstar but a piece who can help (can’t think of any names right now) I’d say yes.

I hope Paul remains a Celtic, but sometimes you gotta do what’s best for the team. This has become a Patrick Ewing scenario.

He has been injured, not in game shape and playing the toughest matchups in the league at the 3 spot during process. Trade talks for PP are crazy. Flat out.

Paul Pierce on a team that’s not the Celtics?!? The two ideas simply don’t belong in the same universe. He’s the Captain of the Boston Celtics. Some of the other trades I can wrap my mind around but this is ridiculous crazy talk, about as nauseating as seeing Kobe Bryant wearing the Celtic green. Next article please.

Ok, now everybody has that out of their system, can we move on.

Greg Stiemsma doesn’t block shots. The ball fears him and jumps out of his way.

Blakely.said it best. See:
http://www.csnne.com/01/17/12/Blakely-Ainge-should-resist-temptation-t/mobile_landing.html?blockID=633112&feedID=3352

This is an incredibly tough thing to even consider.

Look, I love PP34. He’s given us Celtics fans so many good memories. But to put it simply, my love for the Celtics outweights my love for one player. If this means getting closer to an NBA title, then I’m all for it.

I think Paul would understand. He’d lament the decision, but if it enabled us to get 2 max contract players for Rondo to play off of, he would understand. He’s a Celtics legend, regardless of whether he leaves or whether we keep him.

I love Pierce. But I support the Celtics, not one man. So any trade that gets the Celtics another NBA title should happen.. regardless of what it may be.

I firmly believe sentimentality to older players breeds mediocrity in today’s professional sports landscape. It just does. We are conditioned to root for the laundry and I am okay with that because I am a Celtic’s well above any of it’s individual players. I don’t understand fans who say, “if we trade Paul Pierce(or anyone else) I will no longer be a Celtic fan”. To me that makes you a fan of the player above the team and sets you up for disappointment because players in today’s NBA get traded all the time.

With that said I would not shop Paul Pierce at any point but I would listen to offers. It is going to take an offer that completely blows me away to deal Paul Pierce. I’m talking 1st round pick and a young buck or more. I cannot even put together that offer right now but the return has to be huge if you want to pry Paul Pierce away from the Celtics IMO.

The Yahoo contributor that this article sources digs REALLY deep for stories. While I cannot say there is no scenario out there in which PP gets traded, I think there’s about a 1% chance of it happening this year.

PP is our best scoring threat and our finisher. He is a leader who could transition us out of the Big 3 era (I don’t think Rondo is ready for that load yet). And despite his age and slow start this year, I think younger free agents see him as player they would want to play with and learn from.

And PP is NOT our weakest link this year….BY FAR. Sure, it helps cap space but I don’t see how it helps us as a team. No one’s sacred but PP approaches that alter.

This is the kind of topic that is guaranteed to generate a zillion comments.

But the chance of it (Pierce being traded) happening are probably close to 1 in a 100. Not zero. But damn close to zero.