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Two weeks have passed since a draft-night blockbuster trade between the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets was first announced. While a few minor changes have been made to the deal, the bulk of it remains the same: Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett will no longer be playing for The Green.
The Celtics send Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jason Terry, and D.J. White to the Nets in exchange for Marshon Brooks, Kris Humphries, Gerald Wallace, Kris Joseph, Keith Bogans, three first-round draft picks in 2014, 2016, and 2018, and the option to swap first round picks during the 2017 draft. It has also been reported that the Celtics could receive a trade-exception valued just a tick over $3 million.
The Boston Celtics will introduce their new acquisitions on 2:30 PM at their practice facility in Waltham, MA. In a press release President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge said, "We would like to thank Paul, Kevin, and Jason for everything that they have done for this franchise. We would not have won Banner 17 without Paul and Kevin and they will go down amongst the all-time great players to have ever worn a Celtics uniform." Ainge continued, "At the same time we are excited to welcome Gerald, Kris, Keith, MarShon and Kris to the Celtics family. They bring a wealth of talent, experience, depth, and flexibility to our team."
After putting out a full-page advertisement in today's Boston Globe, Celtics Managing Partner and CEO Wyc Grousbeck spoke about their history with the franchise, "Paul and Kevin exemplified everything it means to be a Celtic. They were instrumental in bringing back Celtic Pride and providing our fans with the franchise's first championship in over 20 years in 2008. We wish them nothing but the best in the future."
Even though an important era of Celtics basketball is over, new head coach Brad Stevens spoke highly of the team's new acquisitions, "We are really excited to welcome Gerald, Kris, Keith, MarShon and Kris to the Celtics organization. They collectively bring a great deal of versatility, unique skill sets and production to our roster. I cannot wait to get to work with them."