Will Ainge use the Pierce trade exception, or let it expire?

[Evantime34]

I got very excited for the trade exception when it was announced. But really, how many times have trade exceptions in the nba been used? I think Danny explores all avenues, but in the end isn't able to find a way to use it.

[Interceptor]

It's not common, but the Lakers did use a trade exception to get Steve Nash, so there's that.

[mmmmm]

Depends on who is available, and how well the team is developing. If this team shows some promise after Rondo's return, I can easily see Ainge firing his bullets to attract a high-profile player.

I'm assuming you mean this summer? He's certainly not using it this season, short of a deal that somehow clears significant cap space beforehand.

Yeah, the luxury tax threshold precludes using it this current season, unless something dramatic happens.

I could see Ainge taking on a contract, one that expires after the 14-15 season, if he gets a pick or two. We'll still be under the luxury tax threshold as the acquired player would essentially be replacing Humphries (we also have Brooks, Crawford, & Bogans expiring) in terms of contract. This would give Ainge more pick(s) and the player in question would be expiring along with Bass in the summer of 15.

That's normally a defensible use of an exception, but Danny's already done this, essentially, by taking on Wallace et al. for picks.

At this point I think the lost salary flexibility outweighs having another first round pick.

Just my opinion though.

I tend to concur.  I know there is a lot of popular buzz about just how valuable draft picks are with the CBA, but there is a limit to how many picks you should 'stock pile' in the NBA because, in the end rosters are tiny and the development system in the NBA (The D-League) is very limited.  This is not the MLB, NHL or NFL.

Most teams can only absorb 1 or 2 rookies into a typical roster for each year.

Picks have a built-in vesting date (the draft) so as you get close to it, having too many can actually force you to trade them at below value.

[saltlover]

Another salary tool has is Bogans' contract.  It's completely non-guaranteed for next year, which means it can be used to being back around $6.5 million next offseason in a trade, and so is essentially a trade exception itself.  It can also bring back salary this season, but will not necessarily push the C's over the luxury tax as the trade exception would.