Interesting. I definitely see the potential for these guys to take less the next go round. I think their responses to negotiations the summer before their contracts expire will determine what happens. For example, if Ray will sign a 3 year, $18-20 million extension, I think we'll give it to him. But if he wants a little more money or years, we might start talking to teams about getting something of value for him. Pierce I think is much more likely to take less money to bring in more talent and retire a Celtic.
As for being veterans teaching guys, it depends on the next few years. Honestly, if they win another chip or two, these guys might be more than happy to just retire. Pierce is definitely somebody who I think will want to retire a Celtic. He knows he can be seen like a Russell, Cousy, Bird, Havlicek type who started and ended his career in Boston, brought along a championship and a lot of All Star seasons and wants to go out a Celtic. This is regardless of how the Celtics are his last few years.
However, for KG and Ray, especially if they win again, they will not have the incentive to stay on and be a teacher in Boston for a less-than-competitive team. If we have other stars in place at that time, and we're actually contending, then absolutely, I think they'd stick around. But if not, and if they've already won their titles, why stick around when they're no longer contributors to a contender?
Topic: Celtics are holding a huge chip. (Read 16039 times)