Paul Pierce opts out

[xmuscularghandix]

Just wants to get his post-lockout money on the books. He’s smart.

[Donoghus]

This should be interesting.

Here's hoping the Captain is able to finish up his career in green.  By far, my favorite Celtic since he came into the league.

[winsomme]

The right choice for his future. Ainge do the right thing. Pierce meant too much for this franchise. You can't let go of the truth.

Well, while I don't really want him to get a long extension, if we want one more shot at #18, it might have to happen. 

If Pierce goes, rebuilding mode starts immediately. 

I think that you want to sit back and see what Pierce wants and what Doc does before you can truly evaluate what this means.

my guess is everybody already knows what is needed for Paul and Doc to come back.

and if Doc commits to coming back, I would expect that it is an indication that the Big 3 are coming back as well.

15 mil for 3 or 4 years makes sense for Paul and would give Danny more money to play with this coming season.

my big question (thinking GPA is back + Doc) is whether Danny tries to move Rondo + the kitchen sink to get CP3 + Okafor. Seems pretty impossible, but would be the big move to counter the other move to South Beach that looks to be happening.

other than that, I think the moves will be relatively small....re-sign TA, Nate; use the MLE; and trade Sheed's contract (possibly with Baby or Bradley).

I'd be incredibly surprised if there is a big move in Paul's future.

[LakerPete]

One of the things that I love about the NBA is that it seems to be built to have certain stars represent a city. Kobe is a Laker. Duncan is a Spur. Howard is a Magic. (whatever that is) And Pierce is a Celtic. As a Laker fan I can't stand the guy, but I would definitely be a bit bummed out if he didn't finish his career with you guys. I hope this is just an attempt to get a long term deal from the C's before the new CBA. If not, the Clippers seem to make the most sense.

[Redz]

One of the things that I love about the NBA is that it seems to be built to have certain stars represent a city. Kobe is a Laker. Duncan is a Spur. Howard is a Magic. (whatever that is) And Pierce is a Celtic. As a Laker fan I can't stand the guy, but I would definitely be a bit bummed out if he didn't finish his career with you guys. I hope this is just an attempt to get a long term deal from the C's before the new CBA. If not, the Clippers seem to make the most sense.

Dirk as a Mav too.

although I guess I'd never think of KG anywhere but Minnesota

[Quinn]

The scary thing about this, is what if danny doesn't want to resign paul or ray,not because of what they, especially pierce, mean to boston but because an opportunity of signing a max-level free agent. I'd hate to see it happen but could you imagine a Lebron or Wade/ Rondo combo? Scary

[JSD]

Two Scenarios:

1) Pierce get's his 4 years $60 million and finishes his career as a Celtic. Meanwhile, ownership is thrilled because $6 million is instantly freed up this season saving the team in LT expenses. Everyone is happy.

or

2) Pierce believes Doc is leaving, Ray is leaving and  doesn't believe the Celtics can compete at the same level. The LA Clippers with buddy Barron is looking mighty nice and he's looking forward to his homecoming?  

I'll go with 1 here.

[Bahku]

Gonna be an intriguing couple of days.

[ToppersBsktball10]

what if Pierce opts out to give more money to the Celtics to use in this free agency =)

Of course someone has the same sig as me lol

[rondohondo]

The scary thing about this, is what if danny doesn't want to resign paul or ray,not because of what they, especially pierce, mean to boston but because an opportunity of signing a max-level free agent. I'd hate to see it happen but could you imagine a Lebron or Wade/ Rondo combo? Scary

So you would hate to see a Lebron or Wade/Rondo combo? Uhhh why?

[RJ87]

The right choice for his future. Ainge do the right thing. Pierce meant too much for this franchise. You can't let go of the truth.

Well, while I don't really want him to get a long extension, if we want one more shot at #18, it might have to happen. 

If Pierce goes, rebuilding mode starts immediately. 

I think that you want to sit back and see what Pierce wants and what Doc does before you can truly evaluate what this means.

my guess is everybody already knows what is needed for Paul and Doc to come back.

and if Doc commits to coming back, I would expect that it is an indication that the Big 3 are coming back as well.

15 mil for 3 or 4 years makes sense for Paul and would give Danny more money to play with this coming season.

my big question (thinking GPA is back + Doc) is whether Danny tries to move Rondo + the kitchen sink to get CP3 + Okafor. Seems pretty impossible, but would be the big move to counter the other move to South Beach that looks to be happening.

other than that, I think the moves will be relatively small....re-sign TA, Nate; use the MLE; and trade Sheed's contract (possibly with Baby or Bradley).

I'd be incredibly surprised if there is a big move in Paul's future.

CP3 ain't comin' to the Garden. Let it go, guys... Just let it go


Not surprised to see Paul opt-out, everyone was saying he'd never leave that much $$ on the table, but with a lock out and CBA restructure looming, you had to expect.... The only thing I fear is that a team will offer Paul big money and DA will be smart and not offer it. I love Paul, but I don't wanna see the team tie themsleves up financially in an aging play.

[LakerPete]

Definitely Dirk as a Mav. Wade as a Heat (I don't think he goes anywhere) & Deron Williams as a Jazz as well.

I always viewed KG in the same light that I view Chris Paul now. His team never committed to building a contender around him and used him to sell tickets/keep them financially viable. I rooted for a KG trade just as I root for a CP3 trade now. I hated that my team was on the wrong end of '08, but I am happy that KG got a ring. He's the most under-appreciated player of his generation, and that's the product of the circumstances surrounding him...not what he had control over.

BLECH. The Celtics suck. (sorry, I felt dirty after praising a current Celtic. I'm sure you understand)

[Quinn]

The scary thing about this, is what if danny doesn't want to resign paul or ray,not because of what they, especially pierce, mean to boston but because an opportunity of signing a max-level free agent. I'd hate to see it happen but could you imagine a Lebron or Wade/ Rondo combo? Scary

So you would hate to see a Lebron or Wade/Rondo combo? Uhhh why?

I used bad english. the first scary was because its depressing to think of Pierce leaving boston, while, however the idea of a rondo/lebron or wade combo is very enticing.

[winsomme]

The right choice for his future. Ainge do the right thing. Pierce meant too much for this franchise. You can't let go of the truth.

Well, while I don't really want him to get a long extension, if we want one more shot at #18, it might have to happen.  

If Pierce goes, rebuilding mode starts immediately.  

I think that you want to sit back and see what Pierce wants and what Doc does before you can truly evaluate what this means.

my guess is everybody already knows what is needed for Paul and Doc to come back.

and if Doc commits to coming back, I would expect that it is an indication that the Big 3 are coming back as well.

15 mil for 3 or 4 years makes sense for Paul and would give Danny more money to play with this coming season.

my big question (thinking GPA is back + Doc) is whether Danny tries to move Rondo + the kitchen sink to get CP3 + Okafor. Seems pretty impossible, but would be the big move to counter the other move to South Beach that looks to be happening.

other than that, I think the moves will be relatively small....re-sign TA, Nate; use the MLE; and trade Sheed's contract (possibly with Baby or Bradley).

I'd be incredibly surprised if there is a big move in Paul's future.

CP3 ain't comin' to the Garden. Let it go, guys... Just let it go


Not surprised to see Paul opt-out, everyone was saying he'd never leave that much $$ on the table, but with a lock out and CBA restructure looming, you had to expect.... The only thing I fear is that a team will offer Paul big money and DA will be smart and not offer it. I love Paul, but I don't wanna see the team tie themsleves up financially in an aging play.

I heard a lot of people suggest we were too old to compete this year as well. personally, I think GPA will be just as good next year as this. In fact, it's possible that with another off season of rehab, KG comes back better...

[Kuberski33]

Given the number of teams that have cap room available, plus the fact that there are going to be lots of losers in the LeBron sweepstakes, I think it's likely that other teams will try to overpay to sign both Pierce and Ray.

If a team with a decent chance of winning it all offers to overpay PP, he's gone.  Probably the same for Ray.  And it's not the worst thing in the world.  Like a fantasy auction draft, the blue chippers go first.  The stupid money gets spent next -- and the real values are in what will be left. And with 200+ free agents, there will be lots of value out there. 

Guaranteed the better GM's in the league will pick up some major bargains on the back end.  And the foolish GM's/Owners will continue to do stupid things.

Should be absolutely fascinating.