If the C's can't work out any kind of deal through trades or free agents then I think it officially turns into rebuilding. Pierce would probably retire and Ainge would try to get some draft picks to get us in a good position. It might take us a few years to be competitive again after that but I don't think it will be as long as a drought as the 90's and early 2000's were. Danny Ainge is 10 times the GM Chris Wallace is.
Chris Wallace is doing pretty well in Memphis. His problem here in Boston was Thanksdad Ga$ton.
But with Danny Ainge, Doc Rivers and the ownership team - we should not fade into irrelevency unless Rondo is forced to retire due to injury. Besides, I think someday that we will get Blake Griffen because the Clippers never hold onto their good players.