Next year Ray is traded to Utah for

[the_Bird]

Talk to Detroit, see if they're looking to clear more cap space for a 2010 run at one of the big free agents.  I'd think long and hard about a Rip-for-Jesus deal.

[dlpin]

Talk to Detroit, see if they're looking to clear more cap space for a 2010 run at one of the big free agents.  I'd think long and hard about a Rip-for-Jesus deal.

they only have 2 players signed past 2010, so they have all the cap they are going to need already.

[the_Bird]

Talk to Detroit, see if they're looking to clear more cap space for a 2010 run at one of the big free agents.  I'd think long and hard about a Rip-for-Jesus deal.

they only have 2 players signed past 2010, so they have all the cap they are going to need already.

I don't know, there was some talk on the Free Press's website about maybe Hamilton being gone (seems a foregone conclusion that Sheed is done), and they do need to sign an extension for Stuckey at some point.  I'm sure they'd want some young talent coming back, which we unfortunately are in short supply of.

EDIT: As well, they have cap space for this summer because of the AI deal.  If they want to be a player for 2010, they basically have to sit on their hands for a year - OR, they could make a move to use that space on someone like Carlos Boozer, trade Rip, get Ray for a year to fill his role then have space in 2010 to go after one of the bigger fish.  Not saying that it's likely, but they're a team that's in transition, that wants to blow things MOSTLY up, but that has a few players in Rip and Prince who still have some miles left under warranty.  It's worth a phone call.

EDIT 2: They're more talk that the Pistons would be interested in Ben Gordon, which would make Hamilton or Prince eminently expendable (ideally, though, they'd trade for a big; maybe a three-way deal?).  Hamilton SEETHED at coming off the bench behind AI, and Gordon's not going to sign without being assured a spot in the starting rotation.  Unless they brought Prince off the bench, that's one wing too many (and I'm not some that Stuckey is really a PG).  Something big's going to happen in Motown.

[ToppersBsktball10]

PP and Rondo for Deron Williams and Kirilenko... Does that money even work?! Run more of the offense through Ray. Deron will me a more stable PG and likely more durable. Kirilenko gives us that defensive size we need.

I am afraid that I would pull that trade in a heartbeat.

Kirlenko and size? the guys soft as hell and hes as big as a twig

[ToppersBsktball10]

I think Ray will have a career year next year. Not exactly numbers wise but they way he plays same for KG. I'm not sure about Paul though if he can get his weight down to his earlier days then same goes for him. The Celtics will be as hungry as ever next season. I would like to see Ray get traded just becuase of age but the only realistic deal is Joe Johnson and all I would trade is Ray a few picks and some role players and i doubt Atlanta would do that

[PaulPierce34G]

Saw a couple posts in this topic already mentioning potential Pierce trades when his contract is due or to Utah.  I've said I don't want Ray going anywhere, but if there's one Celtic that should never be traded, it is Paul Pierce...unless he asked for it.  Outside of that, if he is traded, that is a slap in the face to a player who for 75-85%% of his career in Boston has put up with losing seasons, first/second round playoff exits.  The guy could've left town years ago, but kept having faith in ownership's promise they would come through for him.  I understand it's all about business, but there are times when the sentimental value outweighs the business aspect, and this would be one of those times.

[Casperian]

If the right deal comes along, I want the Celtics to trade Ray, Pierce, KG or Rondo. Just not this season. 

My loyalty is, first and foremost, to the Celtics, not the players on the team.

There´s this story where Danny told Red he would´ve traded Bird and McHale, and in hindsight, that would´ve been the right move.

I´m as big a Ray Allen fan as there is, he was my favourite player in the league since I saw his first game, I love and respect Pierce for everything he did for this team. But, you can´t stop time, and if it´s the right thing to trade one of these guys, I´m all for it. This is not the 80ies anymore, cap and trade restrictions (and the increased athleticism in the NBA) force you to trade players whose salary doesn´t reflect their impact on the court, otherwise you´ll dig your own hole. I don´t want another decade of 20-win seasons because we were too romantic.

That said, I still believe in this core, and I think they deserve - at least - one more season together.

[Chief]

If the right deal comes along, I want the Celtics to trade Ray, Pierce, KG or Rondo. Just not this season. 

My loyalty is, first and foremost, to the Celtics, not the players on the team.

There´s this story where Danny told Red he would´ve traded Bird and McHale, and in hindsight, that would´ve been the right move.

I´m as big a Ray Allen fan as there is, he was my favourite player in the league since I saw his first game, I love and respect Pierce for everything he did for this team. But, you can´t stop time, and if it´s the right thing to trade one of these guys, I´m all for it. This is not the 80ies anymore, cap and trade restrictions force you to trade players whose salary doesn´t reflect their impact on the court, otherwise you´ll dig your own hole. I don´t want another decade of 20-win seasons because we were too romantic.

That said, I still believe in this core, and I think they deserve - at least - one more season together.

The Big 3 did their job and won a NBA title. Danny gave that core a chance to repeat but because of injury they fell short of the goal. IMO, it's time to make some changes. If Danny gets a good deal for Ray Allen, this team is still championship caliber as long as KG, Paul, and Rondo stay healthy.