Offseason Predictions

[perks-a-beast]

Factor out what you hope happens with the roster this summer, and think how Danny Ainge views this current roster. Does he feel the Celts can make another run with Rondo and Sullinger back and healthy? Or will he decide he gave the Garnett-Pierce era a fair 6 year go, when he  was only anticipating a 3-4 year championship window back in 2007 with the duo.

Certainly personal sentiment won't interfere in Ainge's decision, (Even though it's going to be real tough to see two gladiators, whom we've all had the privilege of watching these last 6 years, suit up in a different uniform.) KG and PP have been aware that they've been in the relm of serious trade talks for 2 years now so they won't be shocked when Ainge makes the business decision that i expect him to make. We almost did it in 2010. We ran out of gas. We almost climbed the mountain again last year but again ran out. What makes Danny think 2013-14 will be any different while the Celtics are still relying so heavily on 1 36 year old and a 37 year old. 

If things play out like i feel they will, Garnetts's the first to go. He'll have a say in where he goes. And if you think about it, alot of the plausible trade destinations he may wave his no trade clause for make sense as trading partners for the C's (Houston, Minnesota, L.A. Clippers) to aquire a quality young big man. [I'm making the assumption that Garnett's not retiring this summer. He didn't sign a three year contract for nothing and i don't see him going out on the note of losing to the Knicks in 6 games in the first round of the playoffs. Plain and simple- KG is a winner and he wants to leave on top like Russell.

Garnett's playing 2 more years max with a more than reasonable contract for a player of his caliber. It's not going to be too big of a risk for any team to take that on depennding on what they're giving up.

Houston showed they were a really good team this season but they need veteran leadership to take them to that next plateau of seriously contending. Houston could offer a package centered around Omer Asik (an Asik/Sully front court has the potential to be deadley for years to come)if they feel Garnett can get them over that hump. One thing's for sure: McHale would absolutely love to have KG's passion and presence again. More pieces would need to be thrown in for salaries to work. Garnett and Shavlik Randolph to the Rockets for Omer Asik and Terrence Jones

As far as Pierce is concerned, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see some variation the the AB/PP for Eric Gordon trade go though (obviously the Celts would need back more in return, i think) . Gordon has made it clear he has no attachment to the Hornets oragnization and wants out. Paul Pierce and Avery Bradley to the Pelicans for Eric Gordon and Jason Smith

Pelicans buy Pierce out, Houston has the cap room to sign Pierce and the dynamic duo lives on.


2013-14 CELTICS ROSTER:

RAJON RONDO/ JASON TERRY/ 16th pick
ERIC GORDON/ COURTNEY LEE/ JORDAN CRAWFORD
JEFF GREEN/ TERRENCE JONES
JARED SULLINGER/ BRANDON BASS
OMER ASIK/ JASON SMITH

Head Coach..........Nate McMillan


Intersted to hear what y'all think will transpire. 

[TheBigTicket2014]

I'll take Eric Gordon, but for the love of God can we please get rid of Jordan Crawford.

Dude is a cancer. He's terrible. Sucks. If he died, I wouldn't care. Get rid of him!

Also, we need a center. CENTER.

[diconzo]

I think Houston needs another young stud to go with Harden (Most likely targeting CP3 & Dwight) So I don't think they would want Garnett on the salary cap, however, I think they would be inclined to trade for Pierce to get salary relief by releasing him.