Think about it....Ray really may leave

[GreenEnvy]

He will in all likelihood get the 3rd year he wants.

And it shouldn't be a problem, as we should have these large contracts staggered.

When we assembled the team, that's how we wanted it. First Allen, then Pierce, then KG. Now that the Big Three is obviously a success, resign them and stagger them off with KG - Ray - Pierce. Maybe KG comes back on the cheap, but it's better than having all three huge contracts come off the same year.

Anyone remember the post-'98 Bulls?

[Dchuck]

Obviously Pierce is already back in the mix. 

BUT....that fourth year really hinders our rebuilding/flexibility process in the future.  Clearly it was a HUGE sticking point that I'm sure Danny would rather have avoided.

With that said, I want Ray back but definitely not on a three year deal.  I'm pretty sure Danny feels the same way. 

And I really think, the way Ray takes care of his body, he thinks he can play three more years.  Remember shooters can always shoot.  Heck, Reggie Miller played late into his 30's.  I'm sure he thinks he can too.

Will Danny give him that third year?

Again I like Ray but not for three years.

[Jon]

Obviously Pierce is already back in the mix. 

BUT....that fourth year really hinders our rebuilding/flexibility process in the future.  Clearly it was a HUGE sticking point that I'm sure Danny would rather have avoided.

With that said, I want Ray back but definitely not on a three year deal.  I'm pretty sure Danny feels the same way. 

And I really think, the way Ray takes care of his body, he thinks he can play three more years.  Remember shooters can always shoot.  Heck, Reggie Miller played late into his 30's.  I'm sure he thinks he can too.

Will Danny give him that third year?

Again I like Ray but not for three years.

But if Pierce's 4th year is already killer, then does it really matter if Ray's here for a 3rd year? 

[MBunge]

Ray ain't leaving for Miami.  He's a 2.  Wade is a 2.  Neither can regularly play the 1 or the 3.

Chicago, on the other hand, would be stupid not to throw a lot of money at Ray and dare Ainge to match.

Mike

I disagree.  We have seen many teams be successful with two SGs starting when they have a SG or SF controlling the ball.  (see Chicago with Harper as their PG.  Or the large backcourt duo of Magic and Scott)


What PG is going to take the ball out of Wade's hand?

What PG is going to shoot better then Ray?  

Ray does not have the handle to be a PG and would not be able to guard the top level PG's in the league.  So, if Wade and Ray are your backcourt, Wade is handling the ball 90% of the time and trying to stay in front of smaller, quicker players every night on defense.  How long does that work before Wade keels over?

Mike

How many superstar super fast PGs are there?  Three?  Four?  And except Rondo, they are out west.  (Parker, Paul)


And if anything, the playoffs showed the best defender against Rondo was a quick SG that played off Rondo. 

There's Devin Harris in NJ and Rose in Chicago.  And it wouldn't take a superfast, superstar PG to wear out either Ray or Wade.  I would not want to see the results of Ray trying to guard Jameer Nelson in a 7 game series.

Mike

NJ is not a threat.

Wade can defend Rose in a 7 game series.

Wade can defend Nelson in a 7 game series.

Better question, do you see those guys defending Wade or Ray for a 7 game series?

Plus, that is why teams have benches.  

It's kind of hard to have an intelligent discussion if you're just going to use Wade as a magic genie that'll solve every problem. 

All I can do is again ask, do the Celtics win the title with Ray and Eddie House in the backcourt?

Mike

[GreenEnvy]

Obviously Pierce is already back in the mix. 

BUT....that fourth year really hinders our rebuilding/flexibility process in the future.  Clearly it was a HUGE sticking point that I'm sure Danny would rather have avoided.

With that said, I want Ray back but definitely not on a three year deal.  I'm pretty sure Danny feels the same way. 

And I really think, the way Ray takes care of his body, he thinks he can play three more years.  Remember shooters can always shoot.  Heck, Reggie Miller played late into his 30's.  I'm sure he thinks he can too.

Will Danny give him that third year?

Again I like Ray but not for three years.

What is going on here?

Obviously Ainge didn't get too hung up on Pierce's 4th year, but some fans can't get over it. There are no other options. Ray will get what Ray wants. I believe he will be relatively fair because he is a stand-up guy.

We are in a win-now situation. Not rebuild. Not prepare for the free agency market in 2013 and beyond.

This is our team. If we want it for the next 2 seasons, we will just have to see some players for a year or two extra.

Let's be honest, the only reason FA's have started coming here was because of the Big Three. You want these guys gone so quickly? You think Rondo is gonna be able to recruit all-stars? Several of them?

[Jon]

Obviously Pierce is already back in the mix. 

BUT....that fourth year really hinders our rebuilding/flexibility process in the future.  Clearly it was a HUGE sticking point that I'm sure Danny would rather have avoided.

With that said, I want Ray back but definitely not on a three year deal.  I'm pretty sure Danny feels the same way. 

And I really think, the way Ray takes care of his body, he thinks he can play three more years.  Remember shooters can always shoot.  Heck, Reggie Miller played late into his 30's.  I'm sure he thinks he can too.

Will Danny give him that third year?

Again I like Ray but not for three years.

What is going on here?

Obviously Ainge didn't get too hung up on Pierce's 4th year, but some fans can't get over it. There are no other options. Ray will get what Ray wants. I believe he will be relatively fair because he is a stand-up guy.

We are in a win-now situation. Not rebuild. Not prepare for the free agency market in 2013 and beyond.

This is our team. If we want it for the next 2 seasons, we will just have to see some players for a year or two extra.

Let's be honest, the only reason FA's have started coming here was because of the Big Three. You want these guys gone so quickly? You think Rondo is gonna be able to recruit all-stars? Several of them?

TP.  That's exactly it.  Danny went all in when he signed Paul.  While I could've understood Danny drawing a line in the sand at two years if PP hadn't re-signed, at this point it doesn't seem to make much of a difference. 

[Andy Jick]

It's easy for us to spend Wyc's money, huh?  Guess HE'LL have the final say in the matter. 

[guava_wrench]

I might have more reservations on Pierce's 4th year than Ray's 3rd year.

[Jon]

Here's another way to look at it: what exactly do we have to lose by signing Ray to a 3rd year? 

When it comes down to it, it really only limits our shot at the 2012 free agent class.  And while there are names like Derrick Rose, O.J. Mayo and Russell Westbrook on that list, it's quite possible those guys may have extensions by then or simply not choose us (as New Jersey and the Clippers are quickly learning this summer). 

Are we really willing to risk a run at #18 this year so there's an outside shot we land some superstar in 2012?

And let's keep in mind, come the summer of 2012, Ray's contract would then be come appealing as he could be packaged in a similar trade to the one in which we obtained him from Seattle/OKC.  And we'd still have room cleared for 2013, which has just as good of a chance from where we're sitting now of being profitable as 2012. 

[Who]

Obviously Pierce is already back in the mix. 

BUT....that fourth year really hinders our rebuilding/flexibility process in the future.  Clearly it was a HUGE sticking point that I'm sure Danny would rather have avoided.

With that said, I want Ray back but definitely not on a three year deal.  I'm pretty sure Danny feels the same way. 

And I really think, the way Ray takes care of his body, he thinks he can play three more years.  Remember shooters can always shoot.  Heck, Reggie Miller played late into his 30's.  I'm sure he thinks he can too.

Will Danny give him that third year?

Again I like Ray but not for three years.

What is going on here?

Obviously Ainge didn't get too hung up on Pierce's 4th year, but some fans can't get over it. There are no other options. Ray will get what Ray wants. I believe he will be relatively fair because he is a stand-up guy.

We are in a win-now situation. Not rebuild. Not prepare for the free agency market in 2013 and beyond.

This is our team. If we want it for the next 2 seasons, we will just have to see some players for a year or two extra.

Let's be honest, the only reason FA's have started coming here was because of the Big Three. You want these guys gone so quickly? You think Rondo is gonna be able to recruit all-stars? Several of them?

TP.  That's exactly it.  Danny went all in when he signed Paul.  While I could've understood Danny drawing a line in the sand at two years if PP hadn't re-signed, at this point it doesn't seem to make much of a difference. 

Agreed -- less concerned about the length of Ray's contract due to Pierce's long extension.

The downside of giving Ray an additional year (third season) is a lot less now.

[GreenEnvy]

Obviously Pierce is already back in the mix. 

BUT....that fourth year really hinders our rebuilding/flexibility process in the future.  Clearly it was a HUGE sticking point that I'm sure Danny would rather have avoided.

With that said, I want Ray back but definitely not on a three year deal.  I'm pretty sure Danny feels the same way. 

And I really think, the way Ray takes care of his body, he thinks he can play three more years.  Remember shooters can always shoot.  Heck, Reggie Miller played late into his 30's.  I'm sure he thinks he can too.

Will Danny give him that third year?

Again I like Ray but not for three years.

What is going on here?

Obviously Ainge didn't get too hung up on Pierce's 4th year, but some fans can't get over it. There are no other options. Ray will get what Ray wants. I believe he will be relatively fair because he is a stand-up guy.

We are in a win-now situation. Not rebuild. Not prepare for the free agency market in 2013 and beyond.

This is our team. If we want it for the next 2 seasons, we will just have to see some players for a year or two extra.

Let's be honest, the only reason FA's have started coming here was because of the Big Three. You want these guys gone so quickly? You think Rondo is gonna be able to recruit all-stars? Several of them?

TP.  That's exactly it.  Danny went all in when he signed Paul.  While I could've understood Danny drawing a line in the sand at two years if PP hadn't re-signed, at this point it doesn't seem to make much of a difference. 

I think his biggest bet was staying put at the deadline. He could have drastically changed the team by moving Ray for a younger SG like Igoudala, then let Paul walk or S&T him. But he didn't, and we were about 10 minutes and a knee away from that being an obviously good call. I still think it was.

Once the offseason came, whether it was a first round exit or a championship, his hands were tied. Either go to war with the same soldiers or blow it up and rebuild.

He did push all in by signing Pierce, but he was short stacked anyway. There was nothing else he could do. Not enough cap space to be a major player in the free agent market.

Ainge played it correctly from Day 1 of the Big Three Era, from having faith trading for Ray on draft night '07 would sway KG's stance on Boston, to KG's extension, to Rondo's, to Pierce's, and I'm guessing Allen's will fall right in line - a fair deal. He didn't get taken to the cleaners on any of them, which when you look at what some other teams are paying guys now, he knows what he is doing.

I have faith he has more cards up his sleeve pertaining to this offseason.

[LAceltic34]

Obviously Pierce is already back in the mix. 

BUT....that fourth year really hinders our rebuilding/flexibility process in the future.  Clearly it was a HUGE sticking point that I'm sure Danny would rather have avoided.

With that said, I want Ray back but definitely not on a three year deal.  I'm pretty sure Danny feels the same way. 

And I really think, the way Ray takes care of his body, he thinks he can play three more years.  Remember shooters can always shoot.  Heck, Reggie Miller played late into his 30's.  I'm sure he thinks he can too.

Will Danny give him that third year?

Again I like Ray but not for three years.

What is going on here?

Obviously Ainge didn't get too hung up on Pierce's 4th year, but some fans can't get over it. There are no other options. Ray will get what Ray wants. I believe he will be relatively fair because he is a stand-up guy.

We are in a win-now situation. Not rebuild. Not prepare for the free agency market in 2013 and beyond.

This is our team. If we want it for the next 2 seasons, we will just have to see some players for a year or two extra.

Let's be honest, the only reason FA's have started coming here was because of the Big Three. You want these guys gone so quickly? You think Rondo is gonna be able to recruit all-stars? Several of them?

TP.  That's exactly it.  Danny went all in when he signed Paul.  While I could've understood Danny drawing a line in the sand at two years if PP hadn't re-signed, at this point it doesn't seem to make much of a difference. 

I think his biggest bet was staying put at the deadline. He could have drastically changed the team by moving Ray for a younger SG like Igoudala, then let Paul walk or S&T him. But he didn't, and we were about 10 minutes and a knee away from that being an obviously good call. I still think it was.

Once the offseason came, whether it was a first round exit or a championship, his hands were tied. Either go to war with the same soldiers or blow it up and rebuild.

He did push all in by signing Pierce, but he was short stacked anyway. There was nothing else he could do. Not enough cap space to be a major player in the free agent market.

Ainge played it correctly from Day 1 of the Big Three Era, from having faith trading for Ray on draft night '07 would sway KG's stance on Boston, to KG's extension, to Rondo's, to Pierce's, and I'm guessing Allen's will fall right in line - a fair deal. He didn't get taken to the cleaners on any of them, which when you look at what some other teams are paying guys now, he knows what he is doing.

I have faith he has more cards up his sleeve pertaining to this offseason.

trust me...my sources tell me Ainge is VERY active!!!

[mahonedog88]

Ray doesn't want to be a 6th man...so I take him out of the Miami run.  I unfortunately can see him maybe going to New York if Lebron signs there.  He's going to go where BIG free agents go, and if none of the top tier free agents sign in Chicago or New Jersey, he aint goin there.

So ultimately, I say he's either back with the Celtics or could go to the Knicks IF Lebron signs.  

[Birdbrain]

I don't see the coorelation between a younger player (Pierce) who's played his whole career in Boston and can still do multiple things on the court with a 3 pt shooter.  DA may give the 3rd year to Ray because like some have said there is no better option but, I don't think Paul's 4th has any correlation other than the fact that they know (like most everyone else) that with Paul, KG, and Rondo they have good shot as long as they add a sharp shooter or Ray doesn't demand too much.

I get the sense that some think Ray's got more left in the tank than Paul... Of course those people seem to forget all the scoring droughts and the fact that he is 2 years older or how he can't stay in front of anyone or the falling down.

I think some will be in for a rude awakening if you think he gets anywhere close to Paul's salary.  And I suspect there will be some complaining ( betrayed again lol ). 

[GreenEnvy]

I don't see the coorelation between a younger player (Pierce) who's played his whole career in Boston and can still do multiple things on the court with a 3 pt shooter.  DA may give the 3rd year to Ray because like some have said there is no better option but, I don't think Paul's 4th has any correlation other than the fact that they know (like most everyone else) that with Paul, KG, and Rondo they have good shot as long as they add a sharp shooter or Ray doesn't demand too much.

I get the sense that some think Ray's got more left in the tank than Paul... Of course those people seem to forget all the scoring droughts and the fact that he is 2 years older or how he can't stay in front of anyone or the falling down.

I think some will be in for a rude awakening if you think he gets anywhere close to Paul's salary.  And I suspect there will be some complaining ( betrayed again lol ). 

The correlation is this is our core. It started as 3, and became 4. We could have let two walk. By bringing back one, you kinda have to bring back the other. Agreed?

Now, do you stay firm and let him possibly walk because he wants a 3rd year? So one extra year (which in the NBA an expiring contract is always valuable) convinces you it's not worth the two we want and need him for? That's a huge mistake, especially when we can't get anything in return and he will in all likelihood be standing in our way on a superior team (wherever he goes, that team is probably the favorite in the East).

And Ray has had droughts this past seas. Ray had droughts last season too. And in 2008. Probably at UConn too. He's a shooter. That's what he does. Some games he may be off, way off even. Some he may knock down 8 treys in a finals game and save our butts.

He's definitely gonna get $8+ million, maybe as much as 12. He's worth it. He's the best shooter in the game. He's always one shot away from a hot streak.

But you are right about one thing, there will be complaining regardless.