Paul Pierce opts out

[Mr October]

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.  

Ainge has no choice. Worry about the rebuilding later. First take care of your guys, and give banner # 18 another shot. The guys will be hungrier next season. You gotta take Kobe down.

PP thanks for everything you have done in a C's uniform, you are a true champion, but if its true Danny needs to let PP walk. Ray will follow and the C's will have cap room to sign a max player.  If there is an extension in place it better not go past the 2012 season.

How you going to fill out rest of the roster? You'll have to renounce everyone. It'll basically be Rondo & KG plus whoever gets the max. Not enough cap to fill out the roster. Ainge is stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Sign lebron , wade or bosh and fill the rest with vet min.

If you have the chance to land a top free agent this summer you have to do it.  


You will have KG, Rondo, BBD , Bradley and Harangody


You sign lebron or wade and then just sign a vet min sharp shooter(eddie house) . A few vet min big men. Big Z, Shaq, Ben Wallace and hope for the best. You will have a young core of Rondo, perk, BBd and whoever they sign(lebron,wade,bosh, gay) to build on

I highly doubt James, Wade or Bosh will come to Boston.

I've got some mixed feelings about Paul opting out. Is we worth crossing the 2012 mark in 2 years? the max he can be signed to is 4 years. I bet thats what he wants.... probably a no trade clause as well.

My finger is awfully close to the blow up the team button, as gut wrenching as that is to type.

[RJ87]

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=5341636

Asked recently to gauge the likelihood of re-signing Pierce, Celtics vice president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said last week on WEEI Radio in Boston: "I don't know because he may be able to get a long-term contract somewhere else. It may be better than what we have [to offer]."

Personally, I think that's the right position to take regarding Paul. Hopefully, DA doesn't let sentimentality rule him and overpay Paul. Like I said, I love the guy and what he's done for this organization but not so much that we forfeit the near future to bring him back.

Just for the record, I have no problem signing Paul to a longterm extension - just not for big money.

[wdleehi]

I see a team trying to woo one of the other FA taking a run at Pierce (or Ray).  


It is easier to attract someone when you can point at someone else.  



On top of this, does Pierce want to sign in Boston long term?  Does he want to be here when KG is done? 

[Andy Jick]

If he goes, he goes...

I LOVE the name on the front of the jersey, not the back.  My last emotional connection to the Celtics was Larry Bird.  I haven't had a feeling for a player since then, as Reggie Lewis' death broke my heart.

I appreciate Paul, but if he leaves I have the utmost respect for him.  But life in Boston will go on, one way or another.

[winsomme]

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=5341636

Asked recently to gauge the likelihood of re-signing Pierce, Celtics vice president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said last week on WEEI Radio in Boston: "I don't know because he may be able to get a long-term contract somewhere else. It may be better than what we have [to offer]."

Personally, I think that's the right position to take regarding Paul. Hopefully, DA doesn't let sentimentality rule him and overpay Paul. Like I said, I love the guy and what he's done for this organization but not so much that we forfeit the near future to bring him back.

Just for the record, I have no problem signing Paul to a longterm extension - just not for big money.

well, Danny has to say that. anything else and this move could seem pre-arranged which I believe would violate negotiating rules...

but aside from that, my question to you is: what's big money? I mean he was due 22 million this season.

[Kuberski33]

The Clippers have money to spend.  Pierce would be a genuine gate attraction for them and they have talent.  I think this is his most likely landing spot, if not Boston.

He's worth more to the Clips than he is the Celtics at this point.  The question is whether Donald Sterling realizes it.

[FallGuy]

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=5341636

Asked recently to gauge the likelihood of re-signing Pierce, Celtics vice president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said last week on WEEI Radio in Boston: "I don't know because he may be able to get a long-term contract somewhere else. It may be better than what we have [to offer]."

Personally, I think that's the right position to take regarding Paul. Hopefully, DA doesn't let sentimentality rule him and overpay Paul. Like I said, I love the guy and what he's done for this organization but not so much that we forfeit the near future to bring him back.

Just for the record, I have no problem signing Paul to a longterm extension - just not for big money.

Ainge is, apparently, cold-blooded.

He tried to trade Ray, he tried to trade KG, he may have tried to trade Rondo.

No reason to think he'll just re-up Paul at any price unless specifically directed by Wyc (which also seems unlikely).

[FallGuy]

The Clippers have money to spend.  Pierce would be a genuine gate attraction for them and they have talent.  I think this is his most likely landing spot, if not Boston.

He's worth more to the Clips than he is the Celtics at this point.  The question is whether Donald Sterling realizes it.

I don't think he's worth more to the Clippers. Nor do I think he'd spend his NBA golden years playing for a mediocre team like Sterling's.

[RJ87]

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=5341636

Asked recently to gauge the likelihood of re-signing Pierce, Celtics vice president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said last week on WEEI Radio in Boston: "I don't know because he may be able to get a long-term contract somewhere else. It may be better than what we have [to offer]."

Personally, I think that's the right position to take regarding Paul. Hopefully, DA doesn't let sentimentality rule him and overpay Paul. Like I said, I love the guy and what he's done for this organization but not so much that we forfeit the near future to bring him back.

Just for the record, I have no problem signing Paul to a longterm extension - just not for big money.

well, Danny has to say that. anything else and this move could seem pre-arranged which I believe would violate negotiating rules...

but aside from that, my question to you is: what's big money? I mean he was due 22 million this season.

Anything over $15m per yr is too much. Even that's pushing it, IMO... Ideally. I'd like to see Paul sign a 3yr deal worth $35m, frontloaded so we still have cap flexibility in 2012 when KG comes off of the books. Maybe a TO on a 4th year...

[Celtics Insider]

Paul Pierce has always been my favorite player in the NBA, but I hate to say it, but he's done. I've already moved on with Curtis Martin and football, now it's Pierce's turn to go. I think we should let Ray and Pierce go, and try and trade KG. This will leave us with a solid core to build around with Rondo, Perk, and Davis. Many doubt Davis, but I think he has All-Star potential. Rondo, well, no need to explain there. And while many question Perk and his torn ACL, from my own personal experience, after 6 months of recovery, he will be stronger than before in his legs AND arms (crutches are a true arm workout, plus after the brace comes off, he can start doing bench and  dumbbells). I personally don't think size means anything, so I think Avery Bradley won't be a huge factor in his rookie season, but can definitely step in Ray's shoes as a catch-and-shoot player and solid defender. Next, we use Sheed's contract as trade bait (most people have invested in the Okafor rumor). With this new-found cap-space, in comes Rudy Gay! I think he also has a whole lot of potential, and he's only 23 years old. Here's what we'd look like:

Rondo
Bradley or T. Allen
Gay
Davis
1st half of season Okafor, 2nd half Perk


I don't know the whole salary cap situation, but I'm pretty sure it would work.

[Mr October]

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=5341636

Asked recently to gauge the likelihood of re-signing Pierce, Celtics vice president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said last week on WEEI Radio in Boston: "I don't know because he may be able to get a long-term contract somewhere else. It may be better than what we have [to offer]."

Personally, I think that's the right position to take regarding Paul. Hopefully, DA doesn't let sentimentality rule him and overpay Paul. Like I said, I love the guy and what he's done for this organization but not so much that we forfeit the near future to bring him back.

Just for the record, I have no problem signing Paul to a longterm extension - just not for big money.

Yeah... C's can't go long term at big money. What is reasonable?

2 years - 18 million per
3 years - 15 million per

nothing more than that.

man, I just don't know. I'm not ready to see this team broken up. But I might not have a choice... Well, its gonna be an intersting week of discussion with y'all.

[rondohondo]

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.  

Ainge has no choice. Worry about the rebuilding later. First take care of your guys, and give banner # 18 another shot. The guys will be hungrier next season. You gotta take Kobe down.

PP thanks for everything you have done in a C's uniform, you are a true champion, but if its true Danny needs to let PP walk. Ray will follow and the C's will have cap room to sign a max player.  If there is an extension in place it better not go past the 2012 season.

How you going to fill out rest of the roster? You'll have to renounce everyone. It'll basically be Rondo & KG plus whoever gets the max. Not enough cap to fill out the roster. Ainge is stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Sign lebron , wade or bosh and fill the rest with vet min.

If you have the chance to land a top free agent this summer you have to do it.  


You will have KG, Rondo, BBD , Bradley and Harangody


You sign lebron or wade and then just sign a vet min sharp shooter(eddie house) . A few vet min big men. Big Z, Shaq, Ben Wallace and hope for the best. You will have a young core of Rondo, perk, BBd and whoever they sign(lebron,wade,bosh, gay) to build on

I highly doubt James, Wade or Bosh will come to Boston.

I've got some mixed feelings about Paul opting out. Is we worth crossing the 2012 mark in 2 years? the max he can be signed to is 4 years. I bet thats what he wants.... probably a no trade clause as well.

My finger is awfully close to the blow up the team button, as gut wrenching as that is to type.

I don't know,I think that ones of those big free agents might jump at a chance to play in Boston. I know people on this site have said boston is not a top free agent destination, but I don't agree with that. The C's have the most championships in NBA history and many HOF players. Wouldn't you want to be measured against the best of the most winningest franchise ever if you are Lebron,Wade or Bosh. Bosh has said that he sees himself as a #1 option on a championship team. If he signed with the c's he would easily be the #1 scoring option for the C's. What's not to like about joining a team with a young jason kidd, a beast in the post(when healthy) in perk and some good role Players(BBD,KG) .

[wdleehi]

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=5341636

Asked recently to gauge the likelihood of re-signing Pierce, Celtics vice president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said last week on WEEI Radio in Boston: "I don't know because he may be able to get a long-term contract somewhere else. It may be better than what we have [to offer]."

Personally, I think that's the right position to take regarding Paul. Hopefully, DA doesn't let sentimentality rule him and overpay Paul. Like I said, I love the guy and what he's done for this organization but not so much that we forfeit the near future to bring him back.

Just for the record, I have no problem signing Paul to a longterm extension - just not for big money.

well, Danny has to say that. anything else and this move could seem pre-arranged which I believe would violate negotiating rules...

but aside from that, my question to you is: what's big money? I mean he was due 22 million this season.

Anything over $15m per yr is too much. Even that's pushing it, IMO... Ideally. I'd like to see Paul sign a 3yr deal worth $35m, frontloaded so we still have cap flexibility in 2012 when KG comes off of the books. Maybe a TO on a 4th year...

That is not enough to get him to re-sign.

He has to plan for the lockout, therefore he needs a contract he knows he will make up for the 21 million he is leaving on the table today.  

[winsomme]

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=5341636

Asked recently to gauge the likelihood of re-signing Pierce, Celtics vice president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said last week on WEEI Radio in Boston: "I don't know because he may be able to get a long-term contract somewhere else. It may be better than what we have [to offer]."

Personally, I think that's the right position to take regarding Paul. Hopefully, DA doesn't let sentimentality rule him and overpay Paul. Like I said, I love the guy and what he's done for this organization but not so much that we forfeit the near future to bring him back.

Just for the record, I have no problem signing Paul to a longterm extension - just not for big money.

well, Danny has to say that. anything else and this move could seem pre-arranged which I believe would violate negotiating rules...

but aside from that, my question to you is: what's big money? I mean he was due 22 million this season.

Anything over $15m per yr is too much. Even that's pushing it, IMO... Ideally. I'd like to see Paul sign a 3yr deal worth $35m, frontloaded so we still have cap flexibility in 2012 when KG comes off of the books. Maybe a TO on a 4th year...

3 years and 45 million seems pretty reasonable. it makes him opting out profitable but also helps free up money for this season....

[RJ87]

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=5341636

Asked recently to gauge the likelihood of re-signing Pierce, Celtics vice president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said last week on WEEI Radio in Boston: "I don't know because he may be able to get a long-term contract somewhere else. It may be better than what we have [to offer]."

Personally, I think that's the right position to take regarding Paul. Hopefully, DA doesn't let sentimentality rule him and overpay Paul. Like I said, I love the guy and what he's done for this organization but not so much that we forfeit the near future to bring him back.

Just for the record, I have no problem signing Paul to a longterm extension - just not for big money.

well, Danny has to say that. anything else and this move could seem pre-arranged which I believe would violate negotiating rules...

but aside from that, my question to you is: what's big money? I mean he was due 22 million this season.

Anything over $15m per yr is too much. Even that's pushing it, IMO... Ideally. I'd like to see Paul sign a 3yr deal worth $35m, frontloaded so we still have cap flexibility in 2012 when KG comes off of the books. Maybe a TO on a 4th year...

3 years and 45 million seems pretty reasonable. it makes him opting out profitable but also helps free up money for this season....

It frees up luxury tax, yes. But if he resigns for that amount, we still have no money to spend in free agency - not unless Ray walks & signs with another team or resigns with us for A LOT less. Until they're both squared away, they both have cap holds of about $20m... So, yea...