CelticsBlog - Celtics offseason trade ideasA Boston Celtics Blog: 17 Banners and Countinghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48431/celtic-small-1.png2013-06-24T17:30:06-04:00http://www.celticsblog.com/rss/stream/41051072013-06-24T17:30:06-04:002013-06-24T17:30:06-04:00Paul Pierce trade options
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<p>I'll take "least favorite articles to write for $200 Alex"</p> <p>The worst secret in the league is that <span>Paul Pierce</span> is available for cheap. That's just plain depressing but that's also where we are right now. So putting emotions aside for the moment, let us look into some of the rumors that have started floating around.</p>
<p>The general theme is that the Celtics would like to at least get a 1st round draft pick and cap flexibility out of any deal for Paul Pierce. It would have to be enough to make them pass up on their second option, which is of course the widely repeated "waive him for about $10M in cap savings" option.</p>
<p>Here are some potential rumors and ideas.</p>
<p><b>Cleveland Cavs for early 2nd rounders</b></p>
<p>A couple of sources have reported this rumor.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/06/24/pierce/ejBoGDQExsFocwY8OnqsCO/story.html">Paul Pierce could be next Celtics icon to go - Sports - The Boston Globe</a></p>
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<p>The <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> are interested in the possibility of acquiring Celtics forward Paul Pierce, a league source confirmed to the Globe Monday. The Cavaliers have reportedly discussed the possibility of offering multiple second-round draft picks in exchange for him. However, the source told the Globe, any talks are very much in the preliminary stages. That said, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge would no doubt be interested in acquiring assets, such as draft picks, that could help rebuild the Celtics going forward.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.foxsportsohio.com/nba/cleveland-cavaliers/story/Report-Cavs-taking-calls-for-No-1-draft-?blockID=914657&feedID=3694">Report: Cavs taking calls for No. 1 draft pick</a></p>
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<p>Still, some sources indicated the Celtics have until the 13th pick to decide whether to accept the Cavs’ offer for Pierce. If not, those sources said, the Cavs will pull the trigger on the potential deal with the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mavericks</a>. Another source added the Cavs’ reported offer of both second-rounders for Pierce "isn’t the entire truth."</p>
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<p>The Cavs have the 31st and 33rd picks in the draft. Those are not technically 1st rounders but they are close. Plus they have the bonus of not requiring guaranteed contracts. Also, the Cavs have a ton of cap space and could (in theory) absorb all of Pierce's salary - thus giving the Celtics a huge trade exception that they could use sometime in the next calendar year. That means this summer, the trade deadline, or next year just prior to the draft. So the Celtics could use that to complete a sign and trade in July or pick up a big name, big contract player via straight trade. So while Pierce is worth more than "a couple of 2nd rounders" this deal could have more appeal than it does at first glance.</p>
<p><b>Update:</b> Why would the Cavs want Pierce? They want a veteran SF to help them start making runs to the playoffs.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/60225/cavaliers-weighing-the-no-1-decision">Will Cleveland Cavaliers pick Nerlens Noel? Team weighs its options - ESPN</a></p>
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<p>The Cavs believe that given the strength of their roster, it’s unlikely that they’ll draft a starter. They believe their core of Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, Tristan Thompson and Anderson Varejao is better than anyone they could draft at No. 1. They also believe that while they have a huge hole at small forward, they’ll use their cap space to find a veteran small forward to fill that hole. Regardless of who they draft, he is likely coming off the bench.</p>
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<p><b>Mavericks in a cost cutting move?</b></p>
<p>Amico went on to describe the Mavs interest in shedding salary and their willingness to use their first rounder to get it done. The Cavs second rounders and cap space are mentioned there. If a straight deal can't be made between either the Celtics and Cavs or the Mavericks and Cavs, why not get the 3 teams together for a 3-way trade (my idea, not a rumor)?</p>
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<a href="http://www.celticsblog.com/2013/6/23/4457828/2-cents-on-trade-rumors-pierce-edition">
<h2>FanPost: 2 cents on Pierce rumors</h2>
<img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/15324353/20130418_kkt_sv7_627.0.jpg"></a> <span>Featured Fan post on the Paul Pierce rumors</span>
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<p>It could look something like this (credit to Moranis in the forums for the particulars of this idea): Boston would get Shaun Marion (expiring contract) and the #19 pick from the Cavs. The Cavs would get Pierce and the #13 pick from the Mavs. The Mavericks would get the two second rounders (which they could use on overseas prospects that wouldn't come to the states right away) and cap space (and a trade exception).</p>
<p><b>Revisit the deal with the Nets from February</b></p>
<p>The Nets have tried to get their hands on Paul Pierce for two years now (at both trade deadlines) to no avail. Let's go back and look at the particulars of the most recent deal that never happened.</p>
<p><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--nba-trade-deadline-buzz--clippers-end-kevin-garnett-trade-talks-for-now-030112108.html">NBA trade deadline buzz: Nets make offer for Celtics forward Paul Pierce - Yahoo! Sports</a></p>
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<p>The <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Celtics</a> and <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Brooklyn Nets</a> have discussed a trade for Celtics star Paul Pierce, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Nets' willingness to a deal centered on forward <span>Kris Humphries</span>, guard <span>MarShon Brooks</span> and a first-round draft pick, but the Celtics want a more substantial package to consider moving Pierce, league sources said. "The Celtics still highly value Pierce and it wouldn't make sense to trade him for that kind of a package if they're keeping <span>Kevin Garnett</span>," one league source said.</p>
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<p>I don't have any real use for Humphries and I'm not a big believer in Brooks (though he would have been a better pick than Johnson that year). But Mr. Ex-Kardashian is a big expiring contract that could be flipped at the trade deadline. Plus we'd be getting a first rounder (which year is anyone's guess). The Nets would finally get their man (and their owner doesn't care how much he has to spend to get it done).</p>
<p>So there are three options that the team could explore. I'm sure there are more options that make varying degrees of sense.</p>
<p>Or they could simply hold onto him and let him retire with dignity as a Celtic. So there's that option too.</p>
<p>Just saying.</p>
<p><b>Update:</b></p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4705639/sources-cs-still-want-1st-rounder-for-pierce?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">Sources: Cavs, Bucks like Pierce - Boston Celtics Blog - ESPN Boston</a></p>
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<p>The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Milwaukee Bucks are among the teams that have expressed trade interest in Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce, according to sources with knowledge of the talks. But sources told ESPN.com that Pierce is most likely headed to neither one of those teams if he leaves the Celtics this week. The Celtics do remain hopeful of acquiring a first-round pick for Pierce this week in conjunction with Thursday's draft. But sources said the Celtics have shown an inclination to try to work with Pierce to get him to a favorable destination -- which essentially translates to a contending team -- if they indeed decide to trade him by week's end. The team faces a June 30 deadline to either pick up Pierce’s $15.3 million option for next season or buy him out for $5 million.</p>
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https://www.celticsblog.com/2013/6/24/4460110/nba-trade-rumors-paul-pierce-trade-optionsJeff Clark2013-06-17T06:28:05-04:002013-06-17T06:28:05-04:00Would a three way trade unlock the stalemate?
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<p>Is it time to get creative? And by "creative" I mean complex.</p> <p>If the <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Celtics</a> and Clippers cannot work something out between the two parties, another option might be to try to make this complex deal even more complicated. Like for instance, by including a third team into the mix. A team like the <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Magic</a> or <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pacers</a> or perhaps even the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rockets</a> or <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mavericks</a> or a team I haven't thought of yet.</p>
<p>The Clippers are trying to hold onto Bledsoe in order to get something else in return for him.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-brian-schmitz-celtics-clippers-magic-impact-061-20130616,0,3501259.column">Proposed Celtics-Clippers deal could impact Magic's progress </a></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-brian-schmitz-celtics-clippers-magic-impact-061-20130616,0,3501259.column"></a>If you believe the Internet intel, the <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Clippers</a> and the Magic have been discussing a trade that would send promising young point guard <span>Eric Bledsoe</span> and veteran forward <span>Caron Butler</span> to Orlando for shooting guard <span>Arron Afflalo</span>. But the Clippers want to use Bledsoe in a separate deal (as long as they know starter <span>Chris Paul</span> is staying), either to obtain Afflalo, Indiana's <span>Danny Granger</span> or a player to be named later.</p>
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<p>Maybe the reason the two teams didn't talk yesterday was because one or the other was busy making phone calls to other teams. Could the Magic be roped into a discussion to still get Bledsoe but to send an asset in the direction of the Celtics? Perhaps the Celtics could include Pierce going to Orlando (who would waive him for cap purposes) as part of the deal. Same could be said for the Pacers.</p>
<p>Or if we really want to get creative, how about a similar deal with the Rockets or the Mavericks? Two teams looking to shed salary cap space in an effort to lure a big name free agent? That might be complicated if one of those teams was theoretically hoping to land Chris Paul. Why help the Clippers keep a guy that you'd be clearing space to go after? But if they had their eyes set on <span>Dwight Howard</span> or even a run at some lesser big name free agents (<span>Josh Smith</span>, Iggy, Big Al, Millsap, etc.). We know that the Mavericks have been dangling their 1st round draft pick and the Rockets have talked about offloading <span>Thomas Robinson</span>. Maybe we could help them out.</p>
<p>I don't have the time right now to come up with any "who says no?" Bill Simmons like proposals, but that wouldn't stop you from jumping onto the trade checker.</p>
https://www.celticsblog.com/2013/6/17/4437402/how-about-a-three-way-trade-sorting-out-the-celtics-clippers-stalemateJeff Clark2013-06-14T13:44:53-04:002013-06-14T13:44:53-04:00Rumor: Ainge may expect a lot from the Clippers
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<p>Doc STILL has not stated his intentions, but already rumors are breaking out about what could make a move to LA happen.</p> <p>One thing I do appreciate about Danny Ainge is that he always asks for the moon first. Why not? Someday he might just get it from someone. He already did it with the Sonics and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canishoopus.com/">Timberwolves</a>. Why not again?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-clippers-doc-rivers-20130614,0,6184676.story">Doc Rivers to Clippers is 'far-fetched' possibility, NBA execs say - latimes.com</a></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-clippers-doc-rivers-20130614,0,6184676.story"></a>Two executives said the first thing Ainge would want is young players such as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Clippers</a> center <span>DeAndre Jordan</span> and <span>Eric Bledsoe</span>, and an expiring contract such as <span>Caron Butler</span>’s $8-million deal. Then Ainge would want to trade a veteran player such as 37-year-old <span>Kevin Garnett</span> (he has a no-trade clause) and add guards <span>Courtney Lee</span> and <span>Jason Terry</span> in the deal to the Clippers. Ainge also would want two first-round draft picks from the Clippers, the executives said.</p>
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<p>Boom. Talk about kick starting the rebuilding effort. Granted, the first rounders wouldn't be very high picks, but still. Picks, cap space, and young players are all gold in rebuilding lingo and that would be quite a haul. As others have noted, in theory we could flip Bledsoe for Milsap or work out a future trade where Rondo brings back value as well.</p>
<p>Again, no idea how Pierce works into all of this, but perhaps he'd be waived and would sign as a MLE in LA?</p>
<p>Before we get too carried away, the point of the LA Times article seems to be that this whole process of getting Doc to the Clippers is extremely complex and the price might just be too high for the historically cheap Donald Sterling. So all this is wild speculation at this point.</p>
<p>Do I need to tell you to stay tuned? Probably not.</p>
https://www.celticsblog.com/2013/6/14/4430730/rumor-ainge-may-expect-a-lot-from-the-clippers-in-any-tradeJeff Clark2013-06-04T23:05:03-04:002013-06-04T23:05:03-04:00Creative minor trade options for the Celtics
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<p>The Celtics have work to do, but that doesn't necessarily mean huge moves.</p> <p>Danny Ainge may yet pull off a blockbuster trade or he may not. He does have some pressure to relieve the tax burden on the team - not just because the owners wouldn't be willing to pay, but because the stiffer penalties to exceeding the "apron" would prevent the team from using all the provisions that most teams have (sign-and-trades, full Mid Level Exceptions, etc.)</p>
<p>So Danny may have to get creative - which happens to be his specialty.</p>
<p>Chris Forsberg notes that Ainge could use the three non-guaranteed contracts (<span>Terrence Williams</span>, <span>Shavlik Randolph</span>, and <span>D.J. White</span>) in trades where the other team would have the option of releasing them for cap savings. Their salaries combine for about $3M next year.</p>
<p>In addition, they may look to shed some of their longer term MLE-type deals (<span>Courtney Lee</span>, <span>Jason Terry</span>, or even the slightly more expensive <span>Brandon Bass</span>) in exchange for expiring contracts.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4705384/heres-the-plan-keyboard-gm">Here's the plan: Keyboard GM - Boston Celtics Blog - ESPN Boston</a></p>
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<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4705384/heres-the-plan-keyboard-gm"></a>If Boston can find an expiring deal by packaging the likes of Lee with the non-guaranteeds, then it might have to consider it for the long-term health of the salary structure. Is there someone on the Boston roster that old friend Ryan McDonough -- now the GM in Phoenix -- might covet in a swap for <span>Marcin Gortat</span> and his expiring $7.7 million deal? (Of course, cap space might be more valuable to the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Suns</a> than a familiar face on a lengthy deal.)</p>
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<p>Also, with Ainge working out so many second round projected players, I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him trade the 16th pick for a later first rounder and a second round pick. Or perhaps the first rounder would be packaged with Lee or Terry in exchange for salary relief and a 2nd rounder.</p>
<p>Basically there are a lot of options available to Ainge besides simply selecting at our designated spot and trying to find "traditional" trades.</p>
https://www.celticsblog.com/2013/6/4/4397454/creative-minor-trade-options-for-the-celticsJeff Clark2013-05-30T22:25:26-04:002013-05-30T22:25:26-04:00Insider trade idea: Rondo for 6th pick and Vasquez
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<p>Short story: No. Ok, I'll write more words.</p> <p>Yesterday Bradford Doolittle posted 3 trade ideas on ESPN Insider. In related news, I have a blog and I like to take people's ideas and pick them apart. In truth, I always try to give credit to people who actually put names out there and thoughtful scenarios that might possibly make sense for both teams. That said, I'm not a fan of this one - in part because I am a fan of Rondo and not much of a fan of this draft.</p>
<p><a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9321332/impact-nba-draft-trade-scenarios">Impact NBA draft trade scenarios - ESPN</a></p>
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<p>"The New Orleans Pelicans trade the No. 6 pick and <span>Greivis Vasquez</span> to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a> for <span>Rajon Rondo</span>. If Danny Ainge is ready to hit the reset button in Boston, it's going to have to start with gathering young pieces while he gets his long-term payroll in order. Vasquez was one of the league's most improved players and offers a pretty fair amount of the same kind of production the Celtics have gotten from Rondo over the years. Plus, he's cheap and the lottery pick could be cashed in on a much-needed big man or shooting guard.</p>
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<p>Where to start... First of all, I'm not ready to let go of Rondo for anything short of a star player in return. This does not qualify so it is somewhat of a non-starter. But I'll go on anyway.</p>
<p>Vasquez is a nice young player. I'm just not sure if his production translates to a non-lottery team so the argument that he "offers a pretty fair amount of the same kind of production the Celtics have gotten from Rondo over the years." is at best a stretch (yes, Greivis clearly outplayed Rondo ever since Rondo got hurt this year) and at worst a laughable statement. So assuming we're all in agreement that Vazquez is a big step down from Rondo, what is there to make up the difference in this trade? Oh right, the pick.</p>
<p>Draft Express has Alex Len going 6th in their mock draft. Maybe he'll be a decent big man down the road, but he didn't even play critical minutes on Maryland last year. He's a (high upside) project big man. Meanwhile, most of the guys we're looking at in the 16 range are project big men. Maybe Len will be better than them, but I'm not willing to sell out on Rondo for that kind of maybe. In addition, there's a very short list of guys that interest me more than Len and they are all projected to go in the top 5.</p>
<p>So, here's the only upside I can come up with in this trade scenario. Yay, we'd get lots of lottery balls because we'd stink reeeealllly good. None of this makes a lick of sense if KG and Pierce are still in town.</p>
<p>Long story short: Meh. I'll pass.</p>
<p>I think you folks can do better. So have at it in the comments and/or the <a href="http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?board=6.0">Trade Ideas Forums</a>.</p>
https://www.celticsblog.com/2013/5/30/4379422/espn-insider-trade-idea-rondo-for-6th-pick-and-vasquezJeff Clark2013-05-18T21:19:23-04:002013-05-18T21:19:23-04:00Hypothetical conversation between Ainge and KG
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<p>A purely made up hypothetical conversation that might happen between Danny Ainge and Kevin Garnett. Did I mention that this is fictional?</p> <p>Rrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggg</p>
<p>KG: Sup.</p>
<p>Ainge: Hey Kevin, how's it going? How's the family? How are you feeling?</p>
<p>KG: I'm good, we good, we all good. Chillin' ya-know? Sup wit choo?</p>
<p>Ainge: Well, as you can imagine, we've been very busy. Speaking of which, I know you are busy so I'll cut to the chase. We've got a very interesting scenario that we'd like to run past you and see how you feel about it.</p>
<p>KG: I'm listening.</p>
<p>Ainge: So you might have heard the rumors in the media about the interest that the <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Clippers</a> had in you at the deadline. Well, all of that was legit and they are still interested. Or more specifically, <span>Chris Paul</span> is very interested. You see, he's calling the shots over there right now. Whatever he wants, they'll give him to get him to re-sign. And right now he wants you. In fact, he wants both you AND Paul.</p>
<p>KG: For real?</p>
<p>Ainge: Yeah, seems like he's jealous of all his friends getting rings and advancing in the playoffs and he wants to win now. He knows that the current group won't get it done and he doesn't want any part of the Dwightmare he just watched in the same city. So the best option he's got is you guys.</p>
<p>KG: So how would that even work?</p>
<p>Ainge: Well, it is tricky, but stay with me. We've got it all pre-arranged but there are several moving parts. First, we'll waive Pierce. We're only on the hook for $5M of his salary and he becomes a free agent after he clears waivers. In theory, any team with $15M in cap space that wants to take on his whole contract could claim him. But nobody that would want him is going to have that kind of cash before the June 30 deadline. Besides, most of the teams with that much money would rather wait to see if they can use all that cap space to sign <span>Dwight Howard</span> or Chris Paul. So it is all but a given that he hits the market as a free agent.</p>
<p>KG: Ok, first of all, you crazy to be just cutting the Truth. Why would you do that?</p>
<p>Ainge: Well, we just feel like it has been a wonderful run, longer than any of us even expected, but it is time to move on. We'd love to be able to surround you guys with young stars that could give you one last chance at a title, but we just don't have the resources to do it. At least not in Boston. But perhaps we can give you that in Los Angeles.</p>
<p>KG: A'ight, fine, whatever. So you're moving on. How's this cutting PP gonna help us get to LA?</p>
<p>Ainge: Glad you asked. Waiving Pierce is just the first step. The next is re-visiting that trade that we discussed at the trade deadline. There were a lot of reasons it never got to the point of bringing it up with you, but now they are in and they want to deal. So we trade you (provided we get your permission of course) to the Clippers for <span>DeAndre Jordan</span>, <span>Eric Bledsoe</span>, and a lottery protected first round pick.</p>
<p>KG: Wait wait wait, is this that funny business S.A.S. was yappin about with Doc getting "traded" too?</p>
<p>Ainge: No, sorry, Doc is going to stay here in Boston. He appreciates how I stuck by him during the losing years and he feels like he wants to pay me back with a few more years as we try to rebuild on the fly.</p>
<p>KG: So you want Doc to be loyal but you can't be loyal to PP and me? That's messed up.</p>
<p>Ainge: Listen, I've tried. Believe me I've tried to do everything I could to get you guys another shot at a ring, but sometimes it is just time to move on. Just like when you had to admit it was time to leave Minnesota. You got put into a great position after that and now you might have another shot at it in LA.</p>
<p>The Clips are excited about this because they get to take a legit shot at a title with you, Paul, CP3, and <span>Blake Griffin</span> and the next year they are right back to having cap space and options to look at. We get to move on with the development process and start filling in pieces around Rondo. Everyone wins.</p>
<p>KG: Sounds like you got it all figured out. You mixing up some weird chemicals ya mad scientist. You got some thermite and you got some liquid nitrogen and you sprinkling in some gun powder and a dash of Cuban cigar just to give it that extra bit of class, you know? You mad man, you mad, ...and you know what? I dig that about you.</p>
<p>Ainge: Umm, ... thanks man. So what do you say, will you consider it?</p>
<p>KG: I dunno man, that's a lot to think about. Let me mull it over and get back at you. Give my love to Doc and the rest of the crew.</p>
<p>Ainge: Will do. Take care.</p>
https://www.celticsblog.com/2013/5/18/4343914/hypothetical-trade-idea-conversation-between-danny-ainge-and-kevinJeff Clark2013-05-14T17:00:30-04:002013-05-14T17:00:30-04:00What Pierce's contract could net in return
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<figcaption>Eric Hartline-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Paul Pierce can still play. There's never been a question about that, but at this point of his career and the luxury tax of the new CBA looming, what his contract is worth off the court might be worth more than he is in the box score.</p> <p>18 points on 45 FG%, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.</p>
<p>That's what <span>Paul Pierce</span> averaged after <span>Rajon Rondo</span> went down with his ACL tear. By comparison, only <span>LeBron James</span>, the league MVP, averaged over 18/7/6 this season (with <span>Kobe Bryant</span> grabbing a shade under six rebounds a game). That's pretty good company for the 35-year-old.</p>
<p>But sadly, Pierce's time in a Celtic uniform could be over. <a href="http://www.celticsblog.com/2013/5/14/4329462/dickerson-pierce-doesnt-think-hes-returning-to-the-boston-celtics">Greg Dickerson thinks so</a> and based on <a href="http://www.celticsblog.com/2013/5/2/4294370/will-ainge-allow-pierce-to-retire-a-celtic">The Captain's comments during the playoff run</a>, that Game 6 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">Knicks</a> could be the final chapter for #34. I hate the idea of PP being so unceremoniously shown the door, but this is the ugly side of basketball as a business that we have to face.</p>
<p>With that said, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnesn.com%2F2013%2F05%2Fpaul-pierces-attractiveness-as-trade-target-for-other-teams-has-nothing-to-do-with-playing-abilities%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.celticsblog.com%2F2013%2F5%2F14%2F4331230%2Fwhat-pierces-contract-could-net-in-return" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ben Watanabe of NESN brings up an interesting angle to Pierce's contract</a> and the timing of when Danny needs to make a decision:</p>
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<p><span style="line-height: 16px;">As a taxpaying team, the Celtics could trade away Pierce's $15.3 million and get back an amount equal to 125 percent of his outgoing salary, plus $100,000, under the CBA. (They would not be able to actually add the full $19.2 million, based on my math, because that would put them over the $74.3 million luxury tax "apron" at which they are hard-capped as a result of using the mid-level exception on Jason Terry.) The Celtics have 10 players under contract for next season, not counting Pierce or draft picks, which means they can acquire up to five players for roughly Pierce's $15 million. The team that acquires Pierce, provided it does so before June 30, can turn around and buy him out for $5 million.</span></p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; line-height: 16px;">Just like that, the other team has rid itself of about 30 percent of the current salary cap for a third of the cost. Suddenly, the market for Pierce does not look so limited.</p>
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<p>So, there's that June 30th deadline but another date to keep in mind is June 27th. That's draft day. There has been some thought of running it back with the virtually the same roster next year and waiting to deal Pierce and Garnett before next season's trade deadline when talks really heat up, but if Danny decides to explore Watanabe's idea, what could he get in the next six weeks? Here are a few ideas (that don't include packaging him with another player), specifically from teams who are looking to slash payroll before hitting the luxury tax next year by trading for Pierce and buying him out for $5 million:</p>
<p><b><span>Gerald Wallace</span>, <span>Mirza Teletovic</span>, and <span>Reggie Evans</span>/<span>MarShon Brooks</span> from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a></b>: Gerald Wallace has not panned out in Brooklyn, but his athleticism and defense first mentality could be a fit in Boston. The Celtics have flirted with Evans in the past and he certainly could solve their rebounding woes.</p>
<p><b><span>Arron Afflalo</span> and <span>Glen Davis</span> from the Orlando Magic</b>: Could a Big Baby reunion in Boston work after signing <span>Brandon Bass</span> to a long term deal? Afflalo is another defensive stud, but he'd be joining an already crowded back court.</p>
<p><b><span>Carlos Boozer</span> from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a></b>: Boozer has avoided the amnesty axe for two seasons now, but trading for Pierce's contract could allow them to save some cash.</p>
<p><b><span>Wilson Chandler</span>, <span>Andre Miller</span>, and <span>Kosta Koufos</span> from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a></b>: If <span>Andre Iguodala</span> tests the free agency market this summer but decides to stay in the Mile High City, look for Denver to shed some salary this summer. With <span>Evan Fournier</span> and <span>Kenneth Faried</span> outperforming their rookie contracts and <span>Corey Brewer</span> wanting to re-sign, Chandler, Miller, and Koufos could be expendable. For the Celtics, those three players fill dire needs: a back-up PG and a big man.</p>
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https://www.celticsblog.com/2013/5/14/4331230/what-pierces-contract-could-net-in-returnBill Sy2013-05-10T22:52:21-04:002013-05-10T22:52:21-04:00Bring back Al Jefferson?
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<figcaption>Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>He was once the centerpiece of a deal that started the KG era. Could he be the catalyst for the end of that same era?</p> <p>Like many <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Celtics</a> fans, I hated seeing <span>Al Jefferson</span> go back in 2007. It was totally worth the price, especially in hindsight, but it was hard to say goodbye to the kid that grew into a legit low post star before our eyes in Boston. It was hard to watch from afar as he struggled through injuries and horrible seasons in Minnesota and a first round flame out in Utah. All along the way, there have been countless fan generated ideas on how to bring him back to Boston, but of course that never worked out.</p>
<p>Now he's a free agent (in the same year that teammate Paul Milsap is a free agent by the way) and while he's way too pricey for the Celtics to consider signing outright, they could perhaps work out a sign-and-trade deal. The hitch: It would likely be for <span>Paul Pierce</span>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.csnne.com/blog/celtics-talk/potential-celtics-targets-nba-free-agency">Potential Celtics targets in NBA free agency | Comcast SportsNet - CSNNE.com</a></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.csnne.com/blog/celtics-talk/potential-celtics-targets-nba-free-agency"></a>Summary: Of all the possible trade possibilities for the Celtics, this is one of the few that makes sense. Utah can lose Jefferson and get nothing in return, or swing a deal for say, Pierce and add a much-needed veteran. The addition of Jefferson would allow Garnett to play more at the power forward position and potentially allow the Celtics to cut his minutes back even further and give him even more pep in his step for the playoffs.</p>
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<p>Of course that assumes that Garnett would not immediately walk away from the Celtics because of the exit of running mate Paul Pierce. Then again, if you were going to convince KG to come back for another year without Pierce, it might be an easier sell if you brought in a guy that was once a protege of Doc and Paul that KG could impart wisdom upon.</p>
<p>It wouldn't hurt that Jefferson's game is (in theory) tailor made to coexist with Garnett's. Jefferson thrives down low where KG prefers to work from the elbows. Big Al works the boards which (along with Sullinger) would give KG a lot of help in terms of wear an tear. The one big problem is that Jefferson has a reputation for being soft on defense. Still, in Doc's system and with some tutoring by KG, perhaps they could make him passable.</p>
<p>Would the <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jazz</a> go for it? They might, especially if they believe enough in their young core of bigs and think they are a piece or two from real contention. There's also the chance that they might want to deal Millsap instead of Jefferson.</p>
<p>This is probably still another long-shot possibility, but at least it is more straightforward than the complex 3 team deal it would likely take to get <span>Josh Smith</span>.</p>
<p>So what do you think? Bring Big Al back to Boston?</p>
https://www.celticsblog.com/2013/5/10/4320612/another-idea-bring-back-al-jefferson-sign-and-trade-for-paul-pierceJeff Clark