We're in a win-win situation right now.

[ScoobyDoo]

2008: #17
2009: ECF ( without KG, I say finals if we had him)
2010: Game seven of Finals, 4 points away from #18
2011: ( I say #18, if we reload in a major way )
...yes, even if LeBron pairs with Bosh in Chicago, or LeBron and Bosh go to Miami...as long as we reload in a major way, we can win #18.

So, two titles, game seven of the finals and an ECF appearance in four years. N-I-C-E.

Now, moving forward with option one:

1. This team, if reloaded properly, can defiantely compete for the title for two more years. But it can't be band aid reloading, it needs to be somewhat significant. We have to reload with guys who can really give Ray and Paul enough rest all year.

2. What is somewhat significant? It doesn't mean we have to get one of the major free agents. But at least adding Brad Miller, Mike Miller and Gomes, plus bringing back the usual suspects will be enough.

Maybe the maneuvering with Pierce opting out and Ray as a free agent will somehow give Danny some kind of Flex to get these things done prior to resigning Pierce and Ray.

Brad Miller and Gomes split up the MLE somehow
Maybe Miller $3.5. Gomes gets $2.5, with the understanding he will be resigned long term next season as part of the next Celtics team...he's in our long term plans. Which, I actually think would be great as a glue guy for the "next team" we build around Rondo.

We somehow sign Mike Miller for medium money.
Kurt Thomas for the LLE

Brad Miller  / Kurt Thomas ( Vet Min) / Perkins
KG / Baby / Semih Erden or Shelden
Pierce / Gomes / Harangody
Ray / Mike Miller / TAllen
Rondo / Nate / Bradley

I think that team would crush a LeBron, Wade, Bosh team which will have trouble not having a decent point or center and with only one of those guys being able to have the ball at one time.

Option one > we win.

Option two.

1. I really think that if the Celtics say we just can't pay you guys this max type of money, these guys ( Ray and Pierce) will definately work out sign and trades as a thank you to the celtics for #17 and another few runs these last two years. These guys never had that opportunity. They won't stiff us.

2. So if Pierce is really looking for 4 years and $90+ million, we have to let him walk. We sign and trade him.

3. Same for Ray, same for KG.
Do you know how many good young players and draft picks we could get for these guys if we're traading them to teams on the edge of a championship?

3. Now...we have Rondo, Perkins on the mend, Baby, Bradley, Harangody, a bunch of good young talent aquired through trades, multiple draft picks and probably a lottery pick for next year with Perkins being out and such a major transition.

But the following year, with Perkins back, you have a great point and a very good center, alot of talent in the middle, probable lottery pick and another great free agent class in 2012 that includes Kevin Durant and some other notable guys. 

And Rondo is only 25...

Option two: We win


The only thing that could make it sweeter if we end up signing and trading all these guys? If we could trade KG to Portland and Pierce to OKC or Dallas so while we are rebuilding, either Portland or Dallas are knocking the Lakers out of the playoffs out West.

Perfect world.

We are in a great position right now.

Ainge either needs to get it done on his terms with Pierce and Ray, or start building around Rondo full steam ahead and immediately. Do it while he's young so you have another nice 7-8 year run with the "next team".









 







 

[PosImpos]

In a world where everything works out perfectly for the Celtics, then yes, both of those situations would be "wins."

[Mike-Dub]

2009: ECF ( without KG, I say finals if we had him)

Umm we only made it to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals in '09, albeit game 7 losing to the eventual Eastern Conference Champions.

[Jon]

In a world where everything works out perfectly for the Celtics, then yes, both of those situations would be "wins."

And that's exactly it.  Even if bring everyone back, get Mike Miller, Shaq, and Brad Miller, we might still not win it all.  

And our chances of rebuilding successfully are even worse.  In fact, I dislike our rebuilding chances more right now than in two years.  Chances are right now we won't land a premier FA like Dwayne Wade or LeBron.  We haven't had the time to prepare.  Best case scenario we land someone 2nd tier like Joe Johnson.  Problem is, he and Rondo likely aren't #1 types, so we'll still need a top 10 player on top of that when KG is up or traded.  And that is going to be tougher in summers not as loaded as this one.  And with Rondo and JJ, we'd likely be too good to ever have a shot at a lottery pick.  

[More Banners]

I really have to agree that the opt-out puts us in a win-win situation, but perhaps nothing like the OP states.

Either the guys come back for reasonable deals and make one more UBUNTU run for a title, or they go for max dollars elsewhere and we get cap space to go along with solid pieces that include Rondo, KG for 2 years, our picks for this year, and whomever comes on board.

The way teams under the cap have had young talented players and first round picks dropped in their lap over the last couple of years, I wouldn't mind the C's getting in on that for a year.  Remember when we stunk, we still had a high payroll.  This would be a bit different in that we could actually get better.

[ScoobyDoo]

You're right, semi finals. But I think we'd have had a good shot at getting to the final with KG that year...

Everyone always only has a shot at winning it though...

Re rebuilding, I'd look to get good young talent and draft picks and I'd be targeting certain UFA's in the 2012 to get my "superstar" off season, which is another blockbuster year for them....that is if we don't get him in the lottery, whcih I'd think we'd get this year.