The trust factor.

[Celtics18]

It seems like most fans are on board with re-signing KG for at least one more season.  I have stated that I think KG comes back.  I don't see him retiring after the performance he just put on, and I have a hard time seeing him wanting to go play anywhere else.  Loyalty seems to be very important to KG.

Lately, I've been thinking about how Danny's sense of loyalty fits in to the picture, though.  KG will most likely want some assurance that Ainge won't be actively shopping the whole roster up until the trade deadline like he did last year.  I don't see KG wanting to go through that again.  I thought all the trade rumors took a hard toll on the team for the first half of the year.

I just wanted to throw that out there, as it's a factor that I haven't seen much discussion about.  Is there a chance that Danny tells KG (and Paul and Rondo), "OK, you guys all are coming back for one more run, and I promise to lay off the trigger finger."

If KG doesn't get that assurance, I'm not sure he could be blamed for going elsewhere. 

[Who]

No, I can't see Danny making any guarantees like that. I expect him to take the same stance as he always has and say "if it makes sense for the team, we'll trade anybody".

I don't think KG will have any problem accepting it. He may not like it but he'll accept it. Danny has been very consistent in his beliefs as to how to run a team.

[ScoobyDoo]

I think there is no way KG comes back unless Pierce is also back - I think Ray is less of a factor - though I think he should also be brought back at the right money. So while Danny may want to have his flexibility, I think with these guys you need to make a decision to either bring them back or blow it up completely.

And if you say you're giving them one more run, you won't trade them, you can't flip on that - as you'll lose a lot of credibility and trust with players as a GM.

[mctyson]

I think there is no way KG comes back unless Pierce is also back - I think Ray is less of a factor - though I think he should also be brought back at the right money.

I agree with this right here...we know that KG is only coming back if this team is a legitimate threat to win again, and that probably means Pierce and/or Ray have to be on the opening day roster.

[Celtics18]

No, I can't see Danny making any guarantees like that. I expect him to take the same stance as he always has and say "if it makes sense for the team, we'll trade anybody".

I don't think KG will have any problem accepting it. He may not like it but he'll accept it. Danny has been very consistent in his beliefs as to how to run a team.

I think KG might have a problem with that, and, to be honest, he has a little leverage in the situation. 

[ScoobyDoo]

To me, KG seems like the type of guy who's in it for the fight, and with the guys who brought him to the dance.

I don't think he'll come back to a team without Pierce and unless he thinks the team being put together is at least quite competitive.

Otherwise, he could just go play for any contender tomorrow and take a legit shot at a ring - which is where I think a competitor like KG should be - in the hunt or out of the game...

Therefore, bring back Pierce, and Ray if you can, at the right money. The try to sign an Illyasova or a Humphries, a Hawes or a Kaman, couple solid draft picks...

and either "go for it again" - or don't...

Don't meaning blow it up entirely.

For me personally, I think You give KG, Pierce and Ray one more year - but put some major ammo behind them this time.

Green behind Pierce

Bradley behind Ray if necessary - and Pietrus in the mix or someone else good

Kaman, Hawes, Aaron Gray or some other legit big, as well as Illyasova, Humphries, Landry or some other legit PF in the mix with KG, Bass and JJJ.

Load up and go for it.

Next year may end up being Pierce's last year - there is some option on the final year of his contract I think...