I know nobody has thought of moving Ray Allen this offseason, but...

[Chief]

At Ray's age, if you can get something close to value but much younger, this offseason, I think you do it. Danny can keep this window of winning open for a long time if he trades expiring contracts while they hold some value.

A trade I like a lot is Ray Allen and Giddens for AK47 and Brewer.

http://www.realgm.com/src_checktrade.php?tradeid=5059361

[ToppersBsktball10]

I've thought about it, but I'd keep him for 2010 and let him go and maybe sign Joe Johnson

[Cman]

At Ray's age, if you can get something close to value but much younger, this offseason, I think you do it. Danny can keep this window of winning open for a long time if he trades expiring contracts while they hold some value.

A trade I like a lot is Ray Allen and Giddens for AK47 and Brewer.

http://www.realgm.com/src_checktrade.php?tradeid=5059361

Not bad.  I would prefer to swap Walker for Giddens, though.  And I would have a really tough time swallowing AK47s contract.

[ToppersBsktball10]

At Ray's age, if you can get something close to value but much younger, this offseason, I think you do it. Danny can keep this window of winning open for a long time if he trades expiring contracts while they hold some value.

A trade I like a lot is Ray Allen and Giddens for AK47 and Brewer.

http://www.realgm.com/src_checktrade.php?tradeid=5059361

Not bad.  I would prefer to swap Walker for Giddens, though.  And I would have a really tough time swallowing AK47s contract.

Kirlenkos too soft

[Chief]

I've thought about it, but I'd keep him for 2010 and let him go and maybe sign Joe Johnson

That simple, huh? Name the last superstar, under 33, that actually signed in Boston as a FA.

[Chief]

At Ray's age, if you can get something close to value but much younger, this offseason, I think you do it. Danny can keep this window of winning open for a long time if he trades expiring contracts while they hold some value.

A trade I like a lot is Ray Allen and Giddens for AK47 and Brewer.

http://www.realgm.com/src_checktrade.php?tradeid=5059361

Not bad.  I would prefer to swap Walker for Giddens, though.  And I would have a really tough time swallowing AK47s contract.

It's only a year longer than Ray's and he is much younger. Brewer would become the starter and AK47 would become our super sixth man, like James Posey was last year.Plus, when AK47 contract expires, the Celtics could probably resign him for 1/3 of his current contract.

[BillfromBoston]

I think you have to hold off until you see actual decline - Ray has one more year at his current contract prince and then is likely going to fall into the 6-9 million per range on a 3 year re-sign.

I think it is highly likely that he continues to perform relative to his contract price, so the opportunity to trade him say 2 years from now should still be there.

Players to keep an eye on:

Luel Deng - with Salmons being such a hot commodity in Chicago these days, the Bulls may try and get out from under Deng's contract eventually.

Josh Howard - the kid ain't perfect, but he's talented and has been an All-Star caliber performer. Someone to monitor.

Monta Ellis - the scrappy guard looks like he'll stick around GSW, but its been a rocky romance since this summer

J-Richardson - You never know what direction this Phx team may take - Rich is 5 years younger and quite a good catch-and-shoot perimeter threat

Outlaw - somewhat of a reach and would likely have to be a S&T this off-season, so doubtful...but Ainge has shown interest before.

Arenas/Butler - Both players have massive contracts and if Washington doesn't make some hay this coming season both may be in play.

There are a few players that could be available if some things happen over the next couple seasons...there are surely more FA and trade scenarios that will develop in time...no need to punt on Ray while he's earning his keep though - time for things down the road.

[Cman]

At Ray's age, if you can get something close to value but much younger, this offseason, I think you do it. Danny can keep this window of winning open for a long time if he trades expiring contracts while they hold some value.

A trade I like a lot is Ray Allen and Giddens for AK47 and Brewer.

http://www.realgm.com/src_checktrade.php?tradeid=5059361

Not bad.  I would prefer to swap Walker for Giddens, though.  And I would have a really tough time swallowing AK47s contract.

It's only a year longer than Ray's and he is much younger. Brewer would become the starter and AK47 would become our super sixth man, like James Posey was last year.Plus, when AK47 contract expires, the Celtics could probably resign him for 1/3 of his current contract.

Yeah, but we lose a lot of offensive punch.  I think Brewer is great, but in all seriousness I would have a hard time choosing between the trade above and TA+Scal to NO for James Posey.  The latter keeps the core together, and adds a 6th man who is cheaper and more proven (IMHO) than AK47 (BTW: this is a not "bring back Posey opining", merely the use of a convenient example).

[Jon]

At Ray's age, if you can get something close to value but much younger, this offseason, I think you do it. Danny can keep this window of winning open for a long time if he trades expiring contracts while they hold some value.

A trade I like a lot is Ray Allen and Giddens for AK47 and Brewer.

http://www.realgm.com/src_checktrade.php?tradeid=5059361

Not bad.  I would prefer to swap Walker for Giddens, though.  And I would have a really tough time swallowing AK47s contract.

It's only a year longer than Ray's and he is much younger. Brewer would become the starter and AK47 would become our super sixth man, like James Posey was last year.Plus, when AK47 contract expires, the Celtics could probably resign him for 1/3 of his current contract.

Yeah, but we lose a lot of offensive punch.  I think Brewer is great, but in all seriousness I would have a hard time choosing between the trade above and TA+Scal to NO for James Posey.  The latter keeps the core together, and adds a 6th man who is cheaper and more proven (IMHO) than AK47 (BTW: this is a not "bring back Posey opining", merely the use of a convenient example).

Again, I think people keep thinking that two good players are equal to 1 great player, but that's not the case, especially in the NBA.  Could a trade like that help us in the regular season?  Maybe.  It'd give the C's more bodies in the rotation.  However, the C's are going to be good in the regular season anyway.  What really matters is playoff time.  And in a close playoff game, having two good players in place of Ray isn't going to help things.  All it will mean is that a guy like Brewer is on the bench while the inferior-to-Ray Kirilenko is in the game.  And that's no upgrade for the C's. 

[Who]

I don't think Detroit would be interested in that trade. That said, I think it could be a good deal for them if they let Ray expire in 2010 and try to use their cap space then like the OP suggested.

I like it for Boston. Ray is getting older, and Rip is a very good replacement. Add Tayshaun as a very good 6th man and you're in business. The C's can always trade Tayshaun at a later date if they need to free up some extra cash ... Rip's contract is fine.

NY would have no interest in the trade, but you could drop them from the deal and make the trade simpler instead.

[lon3lytoaster]

How about just trying to get Barbosa from Phoenix? They're always in penny pinching mode, and while Barbosa isn't really a youthy project anymore, he's still young. Also, we can still keep Ray Allen if they're ready to admit they need to rebuild and save some more money. Another bonus with this is he can take a huge load off of Ray and probably Paul, too. And then we have instant offense off the bench, and while Barbosa would be in there with Rajon, that is an amazingly quick backcourt.

If we can get him for expiring deals, then it certainly beats trading Ray unless we were getting Wade or someone like that back in the deal.

[Chief]

At Ray's age, if you can get something close to value but much younger, this offseason, I think you do it. Danny can keep this window of winning open for a long time if he trades expiring contracts while they hold some value.

A trade I like a lot is Ray Allen and Giddens for AK47 and Brewer.

http://www.realgm.com/src_checktrade.php?tradeid=5059361

Not bad.  I would prefer to swap Walker for Giddens, though.  And I would have a really tough time swallowing AK47s contract.

It's only a year longer than Ray's and he is much younger. Brewer would become the starter and AK47 would become our super sixth man, like James Posey was last year.Plus, when AK47 contract expires, the Celtics could probably resign him for 1/3 of his current contract.

Yeah, but we lose a lot of offensive punch.  I think Brewer is great, but in all seriousness I would have a hard time choosing between the trade above and TA+Scal to NO for James Posey.  The latter keeps the core together, and adds a 6th man who is cheaper and more proven (IMHO) than AK47 (BTW: this is a not "bring back Posey opining", merely the use of a convenient example).

Again, I think people keep thinking that two good players are equal to 1 great player, but that's not the case, especially in the NBA.  Could a trade like that help us in the regular season?  Maybe.  It'd give the C's more bodies in the rotation.  However, the C's are going to be good in the regular season anyway.  What really matters is playoff time.  And in a close playoff game, having two good players in place of Ray isn't going to help things.  All it will mean is that a guy like Brewer is on the bench while the inferior-to-Ray Kirilenko is in the game.  And that's no upgrade for the C's. 

I think people think Ray Allen is Ponce De Leon and has found the fountain of youth, but that's not the case. Right now, at 33, Ray is on borrowed time. He is still playing good, some games great, but I can not see that happening many more years. Why not trade him while his value is at it's highest. One because he still plays close to an all-star level and two because he'll have a truly coveted contract.

[Jon]

At Ray's age, if you can get something close to value but much younger, this offseason, I think you do it. Danny can keep this window of winning open for a long time if he trades expiring contracts while they hold some value.

A trade I like a lot is Ray Allen and Giddens for AK47 and Brewer.

http://www.realgm.com/src_checktrade.php?tradeid=5059361

Not bad.  I would prefer to swap Walker for Giddens, though.  And I would have a really tough time swallowing AK47s contract.

It's only a year longer than Ray's and he is much younger. Brewer would become the starter and AK47 would become our super sixth man, like James Posey was last year.Plus, when AK47 contract expires, the Celtics could probably resign him for 1/3 of his current contract.

Yeah, but we lose a lot of offensive punch.  I think Brewer is great, but in all seriousness I would have a hard time choosing between the trade above and TA+Scal to NO for James Posey.  The latter keeps the core together, and adds a 6th man who is cheaper and more proven (IMHO) than AK47 (BTW: this is a not "bring back Posey opining", merely the use of a convenient example).

Again, I think people keep thinking that two good players are equal to 1 great player, but that's not the case, especially in the NBA.  Could a trade like that help us in the regular season?  Maybe.  It'd give the C's more bodies in the rotation.  However, the C's are going to be good in the regular season anyway.  What really matters is playoff time.  And in a close playoff game, having two good players in place of Ray isn't going to help things.  All it will mean is that a guy like Brewer is on the bench while the inferior-to-Ray Kirilenko is in the game.  And that's no upgrade for the C's. 

I think people think Ray Allen is Ponce De Leon and has found the fountain of youth, but that's not the case. Right now, at 33, Ray is on borrowed time. He is still playing good, some games great, but I can not see that happening many more years. Why not trade him while his value is at it's highest. One because he still plays close to an all-star level and two because he'll have a truly coveted contract.

You're right that he's not Ponce De Leon; however, I think you're neglecting this fact: we're only good enough to win a title when this team is firing on all cylinders.  And Ray's a very important cylinder.  To me it's that simple.  All these packages people are proposing are going to leave us good, but not good enough to win it all.  So what we're really doing is starting the rebulding process, which is foolish if we still have a shot to win it all. 

As for this contract, if I was Ainge I'd extend Ray for a year at the max.  Then his contract will be just as valuable next season if he does fall off.  And no team that is trading for Ray is going to trade for him based on his skills, they're going to do it so they can shed money.  So it really doesn't matter if his skills deterioate between next season and the season after. 

[bucknersrevenge]

I certainly agree with kicking the tires on Ray. I think Danny's not doing his job if he doesn't. But ideally, what I'd love to see happen is Giddens improve to the point where he starts at guard next to Rondo and Ray resigns at the MLE for another 3 years as his backup. Now on another thread it's been debated whether or not an idea like this is realistic or not but that's irrelevant here. Giddens starting at the 2 with Ray as his backup or even vice versa is what I'd like to see happen.

[housecall]

How about just trying to get Barbosa from Phoenix? They're always in penny pinching mode, and while Barbosa isn't really a youthy project anymore, he's still young. Also, we can still keep Ray Allen if they're ready to admit they need to rebuild and save some more money. Another bonus with this is he can take a huge load off of Ray and probably Paul, too. And then we have instant offense off the bench, and while Barbosa would be in there with Rajon, that is an amazingly quick backcourt.

If we can get him for expiring deals, then it certainly beats trading Ray unless we were getting Wade or someone like that back in the deal.

TP,i like the idea of trying to sign Barbosa but keeping Ray also.