Celtics Summer Plans - PLEASE HEAR ME OUT

[wildo05]

I have not been able to sleep this since last nights heartbreaking loss! As soon as the final buzzer sounded I immediately began to thing about how Danny Ainge can extend our window! Watching the Lakers celebrate makes it impossible for me to think that our window has closed and we will go back to the way things were prior to this version of The Big Three.

I am going to need your help and maybe my plan is outlandish but when has Danny every done anything conventional. Per the NBA the cap is expected to be $56.1 million for the 2010-2011 NBA Season(http://www.nba.com/2010/news/04/16/boardofgovernors.ap/index.html). Currently the Celtics have 6 players under contract for a total $63,326,049 (http://hoopshype.com/salaries/boston.htm).

As we all know, Paul Pierce has a player option for $21,513,521. This is where I need your help. If rumors are true and Sheed retires would his $6,322,320 cap figure come off the books? This is where I believe Danny would have to make a Belichick like choice. I love Paul Pierce! I never understand why so many fans have a love/hate relationship with him after the loyalty he has shown. If Paul opts out and Sheed retires, could Danny become a player for Lebron James? I know we have talked about it before but tell me why this could not happen. You would replace Ray, Paul and Sheed with Lebron. Danny has spoke often about how Red hung on to Larry, Kevin and Robert for too long. It would be a very tough decision to part ways with the Captain but you could reopen our window. If this scenario is possible.

Danny would sell Lebron on the idea of playing in the Celtics/Lakers rivalry. We saw how amped the country got over this series, but could you imagine the hype if it was Celtics/Lakers and Lebron vs. Kobe? You would sell Lebron on the fact that he could play with Rondo and KG. I would not be surprised if Doc could be convinced to return if they brought in James. The only way I could let Paul walk is if you brought in either Wade or James. The more I listen to Wade the more I feel he is staying in Miami. I may be nuts. Please tell me. It just hurts and I am trying to figure out a way to keep this going with a new cast! I don't want to go back to the days of just making it into the playoffs!

[CoachBo]

I am not a capologist, nor do I want to be, but I believe the answer to your question about James is a clear no.

[wildo05]

My simplistic understanding is if they can get under the cap they would be able to offer a max deal? If Paul opted out and Rasheed retired it would save the Celtics $27,835,841. They would be committed to $35,490,208 for 10-11. I don't want to beat a dead horse here.

[CoachBo]

Pierce isn't going to opt out. Nor should we ask him to.

[jwoods]

I thought (at some point) that Wyc said their was ONE scenario in which we could bring in a max guy.  I am not sure what that is, but i imaigne it would have to do with Pierce opting out and taking less money, and Ray signing for MUCH less.  It could just be wishful thinking...

[wildo05]

If Paul opts out, I believe the only way a max player could be brought in would be for him to leave. Pierce is my favorite Celtic hands down. I just want the team to be relevant moving forward. Hard choices are necessary.

[greg_kite]

If Paul opts out, I believe the only way a max player could be brought in would be for him to leave. Pierce is my favorite Celtic hands down. I just want the team to be relevant moving forward. Hard choices are necessary.

If he opts out and they renounce him he could probably sign for the veteran minimum.  That would be some ridiculous dedication by Pierce if he (and Ray) did that just to get Lebron here.  It's a dream scenario but a wise man once said "Anything is possibuuuull!!"

[bobdelt]

I thought (at some point) that Wyc said their was ONE scenario in which we could bring in a max guy.  I am not sure what that is, but i imaigne it would have to do with Pierce opting out and taking less money, and Ray signing for MUCH less.  It could just be wishful thinking...

That one scenario is a sign + trade.

[WeMadeIt17]

We really need someone like LeBron or Wade if were going to be able to really contend next year. I would not have said this a day or two ago but I want LeBron on this team so bad. He would make this rivalary so darn good plus the whole Kobe vs Lebron thing. Come on LeBron we really need you... lol just kidding we dont need you that bad to make a song but come be apart of something LeBron plus you always said KG was the one player you wanted to play with!

[orb]

I was thinking about the same thing.  Let's say Pierce decided to take one for the team and not exercise the player's option so that Ainge can sign LBJ.  Then, Pierce and Ray Allen sign for the vet's minimum.  We will still have the mid-level exception available.

Perkins, Garnett, LBJ, Pierce, Rondo, Ray Allen, mid-level C/PF (eg. Camby), Ticket Stub, 19th pick (eg. Gordon Heywood).  This is a pretty stacked team and get make another run and stop the Fakers from three-peating.

[BirdLegend33]

Lebron or Wade??

You guys are dreaming. I am fairly sure the Celtics are rebuilding for the next few years. 

[wildo05]

Prior to aquiring KG how many of you believed that it was possible? Danny proved during the 07-08 offseason that he would be willing to do whatever it takes to keep this team contending. Successful teams make tough decisions. The Lakers had to decide between Kobe and Shaq. How many times has Bill Belichick had to get rid of a key figure?

I am just throwing this scenario out there. I would love to see Danny recruit one of the July 1st studs here. The only two players I would consider moving on from The Truth for are DWade or Lebron.

I hate Lebron when he plays against the Celtics but I would be the first to root for him. He has said its not all about the money (doubt it) and its about winning. What better place top build your legacy than Boston!

[bobdelt]

Clear cap space for 2 more years, kevin durant.

[wdleehi]

Clear cap space for 2 more years, kevin durant.

Unless something major happens, I think he is quite happy there. 



I think it takes many years of frustration to get many of these stars to move.

[blake]

Clear cap space for 2 more years, kevin durant.

He will have another contract inked by the end of the summer.  He will be in OKC for a looooooong time.  Depending on what they do this offseason they will be my favorite besides the Lakers in the East.  He isn't going anywhere.

But back to the original post.  Pierce isn't going anywhere.  Ray on the other hand probably just shot himself out of Boston.  The top 2 tier guy that could make some sense as his replacement is Joe Johnson.  The problem with him though is he also fell apart in the playoffs.  Granted, it was a totally different situation.  If Pierce opts out and takes a lower salary, Joe Johnson would be a better fit than Lebron.