Could the Celtics be broken up if they get bounced in the first round?

[nickagneta]

I gotta say, I don't expect major changes even if they do get bounced early. One, for the very reason Chris and Jeff discussed, Danny will be prudent and patient and only go after the right deals. I think S & T of Ray and dumping Rasheed off somewhere constitutes the most prudent and available.

Long term financial flexibility will be the absolute key here.

So for that reason, with the CBA in flux and a lockout all but assured, I don't think they re-up Pierce this off season. And if they do sign and trade Ray it won't be for a contract that is long term and hefty. If it is past the 2011 season, I would be surprised.

Perkins, is another matter. He's young and going to want 8 figure per year money on his next contract. An extension isn't going to do the trick with Perk, he's going to want a whole new contract so he's going to free agency no matter what. Thing is, he isn't worth a Rondo like contract but someone will give it to him. So I say trade him now and see if a 1st rounder somewhere before the Celtics pick is available for him. Maybe one of OKC's or Detroit's. Then draft a wing and a big in this year's first round, one's that might help right away but still have tons of upside and try to build a running unit.

I still see Rasheed to Charlotte as a very viable option if Larry Brown is still there.

[Mr October]

I gotta say, I don't expect major changes even if they do get bounced early. One, for the very reason Chris and Jeff discussed, Danny will be prudent and patient and only go after the right deals. I think S & T of Ray and dumping Rasheed off somewhere constitutes the most prudent and available.

Long term financial flexibility will be the absolute key here.

So for that reason, with the CBA in flux and a lockout all but assured, I don't think they re-up Pierce this off season. And if they do sign and trade Ray it won't be for a contract that is long term and hefty. If it is past the 2011 season, I would be surprised.

Perkins, is another matter. He's young and going to want 8 figure per year money on his next contract. An extension isn't going to do the trick with Perk, he's going to want a whole new contract so he's going to free agency no matter what. Thing is, he isn't worth a Rondo like contract but someone will give it to him. So I say trade him now and see if a 1st rounder somewhere before the Celtics pick is available for him. Maybe one of OKC's or Detroit's. Then draft a wing and a big in this year's first round, one's that might help right away but still have tons of upside and try to build a running unit.

I still see Rasheed to Charlotte as a very viable option if Larry Brown is still there.

If the C's blow it this playoffs and Perk is traded for a pick, I'd at least want a late lottery pick in return. Starting Centers like Perkins are hard to find.

But I really think that the same starting lineup will be back next year. We'll see....

[BballTim]

I gotta say, I don't expect major changes even if they do get bounced early. One, for the very reason Chris and Jeff discussed, Danny will be prudent and patient and only go after the right deals. I think S & T of Ray and dumping Rasheed off somewhere constitutes the most prudent and available.

Long term financial flexibility will be the absolute key here.

So for that reason, with the CBA in flux and a lockout all but assured, I don't think they re-up Pierce this off season. And if they do sign and trade Ray it won't be for a contract that is long term and hefty. If it is past the 2011 season, I would be surprised.

Perkins, is another matter. He's young and going to want 8 figure per year money on his next contract. An extension isn't going to do the trick with Perk, he's going to want a whole new contract so he's going to free agency no matter what. Thing is, he isn't worth a Rondo like contract but someone will give it to him. So I say trade him now and see if a 1st rounder somewhere before the Celtics pick is available for him. Maybe one of OKC's or Detroit's. Then draft a wing and a big in this year's first round, one's that might help right away but still have tons of upside and try to build a running unit.

I still see Rasheed to Charlotte as a very viable option if Larry Brown is still there.

If the C's blow it this playoffs and Perk is traded for a pick, I'd at least want a late lottery pick in return. Starting Centers like Perkins are hard to find.

But I really think that the same starting lineup will be back next year. We'll see....

  Weren't they looking at the Memphis pick for Perk last year? I don't see why he'd be worth significantly less this year.

  I can see Danny wanting to reload on the fly by trading big contracts (or possibly trading Perk for a high pick) but partially rebuilding whithout trading KG or Paul is of limited value. You're still going to be close to or over the luxury threshold, and you're still going to be in the playoffs.

[Kuberski33]

Whether this team gets bounced early or not, BBD, Marquis and probably Robinson won't be back.  BBD's short arms make him a fairly limited player, plus I think the league has wised up to his game.  Marquis has been a major bust and Robinson is the latest in a line of late season signings of guards who haven't been able to make an impact.

After that, Sheed needs to go.  Simmons hatchet job on him was a classic Will McDonough style piece that I think will label Sheed in Boston for as long as he stays here.  Hopefully they can get rid of him. But I think a good playoff performance by him and the team would keep him here.

But I think a first round exit makes them look at PP in a little different light.  When they gave Rondo the contract, they committed to him.  I think they will move more in his direction and away from the Big 3 - should they get bounced early.

Here's what I can tell you as one who buys tickets - an early playoff exit generates ZERO excitement heading into next season.  So bringing this dysfuntional group back probably isn't a wise marketing move.

[WeMadeIt17]

I think Danny is going to make a move that shocks us. No I am not saying part of the Big 3 or Rondo. But I think he is going to turn some crap into gold in a trade. I just have a weird feeling. Would love to move up in the draft maybe perk and our 1st for something in the lottery or something like that. Well as for the question I think this team is going to look very different next year.

[Mr October]

I gotta say, I don't expect major changes even if they do get bounced early. One, for the very reason Chris and Jeff discussed, Danny will be prudent and patient and only go after the right deals. I think S & T of Ray and dumping Rasheed off somewhere constitutes the most prudent and available.

Long term financial flexibility will be the absolute key here.

So for that reason, with the CBA in flux and a lockout all but assured, I don't think they re-up Pierce this off season. And if they do sign and trade Ray it won't be for a contract that is long term and hefty. If it is past the 2011 season, I would be surprised.

Perkins, is another matter. He's young and going to want 8 figure per year money on his next contract. An extension isn't going to do the trick with Perk, he's going to want a whole new contract so he's going to free agency no matter what. Thing is, he isn't worth a Rondo like contract but someone will give it to him. So I say trade him now and see if a 1st rounder somewhere before the Celtics pick is available for him. Maybe one of OKC's or Detroit's. Then draft a wing and a big in this year's first round, one's that might help right away but still have tons of upside and try to build a running unit.

I still see Rasheed to Charlotte as a very viable option if Larry Brown is still there.

If the C's blow it this playoffs and Perk is traded for a pick, I'd at least want a late lottery pick in return. Starting Centers like Perkins are hard to find.

But I really think that the same starting lineup will be back next year. We'll see....

  Weren't they looking at the Memphis pick for Perk last year? I don't see why he'd be worth significantly less this year.

  I can see Danny wanting to reload on the fly by trading big contracts (or possibly trading Perk for a high pick) but partially rebuilding whithout trading KG or Paul is of limited value. You're still going to be close to or over the luxury threshold, and you're still going to be in the playoffs.

Perk's value was probably at its highest a year ago, when he was playing at his best and he still had 2 more years remaining on a great value contract.

Now he is banged up again, and only has 1 year remaining on his sweet deal. Who ever trades for him, will risk loosing him 1 year later, or will have to give him a major pay upgrade.

[jdpapa3]

If the team looks bad, Pierce can be the best trading piece, depending on what he does about his contract. If he opts in, he is a 21 million dollar expiring contract that will give you all star play. Teams will look at that 3 pt % and realize that he can be effective into the later part of his career. I see a team like Utah that has a high draft pick and has been looking for that missing elite swingman for 25 years. Maybe the Spurs still think they have a shot and would swing George Hill and Jefferson for Pierce. Who knows? But it would be all about acquiring young assets once again. I don't think Ainge will hang onto guys for sentimental reasons if he sees we don't really have a chance.

[Jon Niednagel]

Whether this team gets bounced early or not, BBD, Marquis and probably Robinson won't be back.  BBD's short arms make him a fairly limited player, plus I think the league has wised up to his game.  Marquis has been a major bust and Robinson is the latest in a line of late season signings of guards who haven't been able to make an impact.

After that, Sheed needs to go.  Simmons hatchet job on him was a classic Will McDonough style piece that I think will label Sheed in Boston for as long as he stays here.  Hopefully they can get rid of him. But I think a good playoff performance by him and the team would keep him here.

But I think a first round exit makes them look at PP in a little different light.  When they gave Rondo the contract, they committed to him.  I think they will move more in his direction and away from the Big 3 - should they get bounced early.

Here's what I can tell you as one who buys tickets - an early playoff exit generates ZERO excitement heading into next season.  So bringing this dysfuntional group back probably isn't a wise marketing move.

I agree with this, especially the last part.

[Roy Hobbs]

I don't think breaking up the team on a large scale will or should happen.

Rondo is the type of guy you can build around, and I think his actual value is probably higher than his trade value, especially since he's BYC.

KG is probably untradeable.  I guess the team could trade Pierce, but I can't really see Wyc allowing that to happen.

The one trade chip we have is Perk, I think.  The team may decide to cash him in, before he hits free agency.  If they go that route, though, I hope Danny remembers how hard it is to find a legit center.

Now, in terms of free agency, I think you could see some big changes from this year's team.  It won't shock me at all if the team parts ways with the majority of our free agents.  I think Nate and Marquis will be gone (which I think is unfortunate), and Ray and Tony may be, too.

[Eeyore III]

Pierce will exercise his option, but won't be extended, or not, until the new CBA is in place.

Ray will either sign for one year only, or be signed and traded.

TA with continued decent play oddly becomes C with most tenure in 2012, being re-signed for reasonable amount.

[BballTim]

I gotta say, I don't expect major changes even if they do get bounced early. One, for the very reason Chris and Jeff discussed, Danny will be prudent and patient and only go after the right deals. I think S & T of Ray and dumping Rasheed off somewhere constitutes the most prudent and available.

Long term financial flexibility will be the absolute key here.

So for that reason, with the CBA in flux and a lockout all but assured, I don't think they re-up Pierce this off season. And if they do sign and trade Ray it won't be for a contract that is long term and hefty. If it is past the 2011 season, I would be surprised.

Perkins, is another matter. He's young and going to want 8 figure per year money on his next contract. An extension isn't going to do the trick with Perk, he's going to want a whole new contract so he's going to free agency no matter what. Thing is, he isn't worth a Rondo like contract but someone will give it to him. So I say trade him now and see if a 1st rounder somewhere before the Celtics pick is available for him. Maybe one of OKC's or Detroit's. Then draft a wing and a big in this year's first round, one's that might help right away but still have tons of upside and try to build a running unit.

I still see Rasheed to Charlotte as a very viable option if Larry Brown is still there.

If the C's blow it this playoffs and Perk is traded for a pick, I'd at least want a late lottery pick in return. Starting Centers like Perkins are hard to find.

But I really think that the same starting lineup will be back next year. We'll see....

  Weren't they looking at the Memphis pick for Perk last year? I don't see why he'd be worth significantly less this year.

  I can see Danny wanting to reload on the fly by trading big contracts (or possibly trading Perk for a high pick) but partially rebuilding whithout trading KG or Paul is of limited value. You're still going to be close to or over the luxury threshold, and you're still going to be in the playoffs.

Perk's value was probably at its highest a year ago, when he was playing at his best and he still had 2 more years remaining on a great value contract.

Now he is banged up again, and only has 1 year remaining on his sweet deal. Who ever trades for him, will risk loosing him 1 year later, or will have to give him a major pay upgrade.

  He's shown solid improvement on offense and he's a year farther removed from any shoulder problems. He's still only 25, so whoever traded for him last year would have been planning on re-upping him anyways.

[FatjohnReturns]

Hard to imagine them getting bounced in the first round. I would think a second round exit is more likely. Either way Ainge will make some changes. I would

1- Let Doc go.  Docs a great guy but he has not got the job done this year. I would like to see them bring in JVG if possible.

2-Get rid of Rasheed any way possible. Rasheed+beloved Celtics= epic fail see any of the many Rasheed threads in the forum.

3- Trade Rondo for a legit power forward.(Bosh,Boozer,Amare in a package with Rasheed or Baby either trade or sign and trade)   Rondo is the team best trade assest unfortunetly his defense is poor and it puts alot of pressure on the back line to cover for him and they simply cannont do it. Its understandable that Rondo cant defend bigger stronger guards like Billups and D Will but if he cant stop guys like Brooks and Collison then who can he defend?

4- Resign Ray. Ray is not the problem its Docs emphasis on playing team ball even when the team is not performing. If Ray got the touches other premier shooting guards get(Kobe,Wade)he would be putting up huge numbers. Look what happened when they went away from Ray in the Easter Day game. The offense should be running thru Ray every game.

5- Resign Perkins. Who plays Dwight Howard better than Perkins?

[FallGuy]

Danny has said his plan for this team, and roster composition going forward, is dependent on what happens in the playoffs.

I assume:

-Paul triggers his option for next season. This is the best thing for both player and team. Paul gets an annual salary far, far greater than he'd command on the open market and the team has another year to decide whether #34 fits into their plans beyond the end of next season. Wyc's love aside, I'm not sure it's a given, especially at a salary level much above the midlevel.

-Ray Allen will not be back unless the Celtics win the title. An ESPN report quoted the (ever reliable) "source" that suggested Ray is resigned to the fact the Celtics will not sign him and is considering NYC and MIA as possible final cities for his NBA Career. Figure your own S&Ts based on that. But because we cannot rebuild all at once due to KG's horrid contract, Danny will take the opportunity to use Ray to begin the process.

-No matter how we do in the playoffs, the bench will be cleaned out. Sheed will be traded - at all costs. We'll be done with Davis's immaturity and lack of size, and Sheldon's stone hands. The Nate Robinson experiment will be shuttered. Barring a playoff resurgence (hard to do from the bench) Quis will be sent packing. Danny will look to add long, athletic players, and big strong defenders. If we win the title, I think a couple of these guys will stick around - whoever performed. If not, I think we'll be looking to make up for the athletic decline in our starters with athleticism off the bench.

-Danny will be in on the draft. Possibly buying a pick, possibly looking to deal an asset, e.g. Perk, for a high pick, like he did last year with Tyreke. I don't expect Perk to be a Celtic beyond next season. No need to double his salary for the production he provides.

-Doc will walk away if a wholesale rebuild takes place. He doesn't have the stomach for it. He's intimated as much.

[Spilling Green Dye]

You've started a few of these threads recently, some with an underlying assumption that the Celtics will fail early, others with the direct belief that they will.  I suppose this topic of what-to-do-next is interesting.  My opinion would be the following:

- Keep Rondo.  This has practically become a guard's league, and the Celtics would be wise to put athletic players around him who can run.

-Fire Doc.

-Trade Perkins & Davis for something of value... hopefully a SG

-Attempt to draft a bigman, and pick another up off Free Agency.

-Keep Pierce but let Ray walk.

-Resign Tony Allen cheap.

-If possible, trade Rasheed. I doubt this is possible though.

-Rehab KG and trade him mid-season next season.  He would be enough to put any contender over the hump.. not sure if this is feasible, but I'm guessing there'd be interest.

-Stockpile some draft picks for the next few seasons

-Somehow get an Iguodala type player: can defend, run, and finish well.

[jdpapa3]

I've pondered this a bit and after seeing what Kobe and Manu just got, why the heck wouldn't Pierce opt out? He is a lock to secure more than 21 mil in a contract.