Ray Allen, the first domino of the Celtics offseason

[wdleehi]

I hope the Celtics and Ray figure out what they are doing as soon as they can begin to talk.  That decision is going to drive the rest of the offseason.



If Ray and Celtics come to a contract agreement, the rest of the offseason becomes retooling the bench for one more run.


If Ray and Celtics do not come to an agreement, well, it opens up so many possible outcomes. 

• Celtics sign and trade Ray to keep the chance alive next year.
• Celtics sign and trade Ray as the first step in rebuilding.  Pierce and KG go on the trade block
• Celtics let him walk and start looking towards future cap room

Personally, I see the Celtics looking for one more big playoff payoff so they they trade to keep the chance alive.  (not because Ainge wants to but because the owner wants the extra money going into the lockout)

[Bankshot]

I prefer one more playoff run.  But the Celtics need an elite scorer, because I'm not sure Paul is that guy that can do it consistently anymore.

[Chris]

I agree, this is the most important Domino, since it will guide the rest of the offseason, if they need to replace Ray.  My guess is we will know what is going to happen there within the next week.

[FallGuy]

I prefer one more playoff run.  But the Celtics need an elite scorer, because I'm not sure Paul is that guy that can do it consistently anymore.

Totally agree. We need someone who can create his own shot and finish, not just someone who can hit jumpers.

[Chris]

I prefer one more playoff run.  But the Celtics need an elite scorer, because I'm not sure Paul is that guy that can do it consistently anymore.

Totally agree. We need someone who can create his own shot and finish, not just someone who can hit jumpers.

That is easier said than done.  Those guys are not easy to find.

[wdleehi]

The thing is, I think the Celtics will have a hard time finding a sign and trade for Ray that keeps them at the same level.



If the Celtics do not resign him, I think we better be ready for a lesser player coming back in return.  A lesser player with a short contract.

[Chris]

The thing is, I think the Celtics will have a hard time finding a sign and trade for Ray that keeps them at the same level.



If the Celtics do not resign him, I think we better be ready for a lesser player coming back in return.  A lesser player with a short contract.

Oh, absolutely.  Ray is still a heck of a player, and there is little chance we would get anything close to equal value for him.  However, if the C's can get any assets, it will be better than nothing.

The only scenario I see them getting close to equal value is if it is in something like a double sign and trade, where the C's use Ray to get a player another team was not planning on resigning.  Like Ray for Boozer.

Otherwise, I think the C's are looking at things like trade exceptions, draft picks, and average prospects in possible deals.   They wouldn't be getting blue chippers, or young stars. 

[celticmaestro]

Do you think Danny will also wait to see what LeBron, Wade etc do and act accordingly? I don't think he's in a position to be aggressive this offseason (unlike 2007) unless he moves key pieces like KG, Pierce or Rondo.

I think we should get younger and more athletic so I would love Ray back coming off the bench and Iguodala replacing him in the starting lineup.

Also, the seriousness of Perk's injury can't be ignored. He said that if it had happened in December he'd be have been done for the year. In this case, we might be without him for the best part of next season. That will also factor into anything that Danny will do.

My guess is that our starting 5 of the last 3 years is finished and that's the end of an era.

[wdleehi]

The thing is, I think the Celtics will have a hard time finding a sign and trade for Ray that keeps them at the same level.



If the Celtics do not resign him, I think we better be ready for a lesser player coming back in return.  A lesser player with a short contract.

Oh, absolutely.  Ray is still a heck of a player, and there is little chance we would get anything close to equal value for him.  However, if the C's can get any assets, it will be better than nothing.

The only scenario I see them getting close to equal value is if it is in something like a double sign and trade, where the C's use Ray to get a player another team was not planning on resigning.  Like Ray for Boozer.

Otherwise, I think the C's are looking at things like trade exceptions, draft picks, and average prospects in possible deals.   They wouldn't be getting blue chippers, or young stars. 

Or Ray (at less then Max) and Wallace (if he is retiring) for a Max type player. 

But more likely, a three way trade to make that work.  A team that wants Ray and a team that wants to trim cap.


Maybe a deal with Chicago where Ray goes to Miami, Wallace goes to Chicago.  Miami sends Beasley to Boston and Jones (team option) to Chicago.  Chicago sends Deng to Boston. 

[arctic 3.0]

if allen hits 1/2 his jump shots in game 7 we win. i love ray but i believe its time to bring in  another high end shooter to spell or replace ray.
anthony morrow is as good a shooter and defender as allen with 10 years less wear.
imo he would flourish next to rondo. pierce can still get to the cup, as can tony allen and rr. we needed ray to nail his jumpers and he couldn't get it done. morrow shooting daggers will help open lanes for pp, ta and rr.
my ideal offseason brings 3 players from one of the worst teams in the league to bean town.  morrow (fa signing) randolph and turriaf (trade).

rr, nate
ray, morrow
pierce, ta
kg, bbd, randolph
turriaf (perk when healthy), randolph,

[FallGuy]

I prefer one more playoff run.  But the Celtics need an elite scorer, because I'm not sure Paul is that guy that can do it consistently anymore.

Totally agree. We need someone who can create his own shot and finish, not just someone who can hit jumpers.

That is easier said than done.  Those guys are not easy to find.

It could be something like a Ray S&T for Beasley. With additional pieces added to make it work. Beasley may not be the guy but that's the kind of deal that may net us a young scorer.

[Andy Jick]

Sign-and-trade.  The guy is done...inconsistent.  And you never know when an issue is going to come up with his child that puts him in a fog.  I don't mean that in a derogatory sense at all, but I really wonder how long his heart will stay in basketball knowing he has a child with an illness.  Sorry, but that can't be easily dismissed.

Ray will show up occasionally, and his role is now best suited as a 6th man.  I don't want this team to OVERpay for Ray's services, and funny, I was saying all along that Ray wouldn't be worth more than an MLE and I was mocked pretty good for that.  Well, anyone check the homepage lately?

[Jeff]

this is nit-picky but I think that Doc and Paul will be decided before Ray is, and I think those are pretty sizable dominos (Paul's salary structure will determine how Danny approaches free agency)

and it sounds like Doc is leaning towards leaving, so that will impact things greatly

[FallGuy]

Sign-and-trade.  The guy is done...inconsistent.  And you never know when an issue is going to come up with his child that puts him in a fog.  I don't mean that in a derogatory sense at all, but I really wonder how long his heart will stay in basketball knowing he has a child with an illness.  Sorry, but that can't be easily dismissed.

Ray will show up occasionally, and his role is now best suited as a 6th man.  I don't want this team to OVERpay for Ray's services, and funny, I was saying all along that Ray wouldn't be worth more than an MLE and I was mocked pretty good for that.  Well, anyone check the homepage lately?

Fair point Andy. The midlevel is about right for Ray, maybe a shade more. I like him off the bench too but that seems a pipe dream given a number of teams would like him as a starter.

[jdpapa3]

Just read on ESPN Insider that Boston will offer him 5 or 6 million per year for 2 years....see ya Ray.