When it comes to KG and Ray, [I think] we will hear something this week.

[ctrey]

I am sure there will be leaks as to how much they are going to want money-wise. My gut tells me KG will take a one year deal from Boston at under 10 million. I think the Big Three want to figure out a way to play two more years while Paul is under contract, find new guys to mentor and have to boost talent, go for another title then ride off into the sunset together. There are many players out there that would be perfect to give us the scoring punch and depth to do this. I think they would be willing to give home town discounts in order to get new talent in here. KG in particular seems like he may do that. I would not be shocked if he took one year for 8 million.

[indeedproceed]

I disagree about the timing. They need time to process what just happened, and they also need time to seed how they feel.

Also, nothing at all will likely happen until the FA period begins.

[ctrey]

You may be right but I tend to think rumblings will start to come in. We will get an idea of what they are looking for before July first. It is only nineteen days away.

[Evantime34]

I don't think KG will know for a while. I don't think Ray will make a decision until KG does.

Ideally Kg will have decided whether he is retiring by the draft. You never know if it will effect our draft strategy.

[indeedproceed]

One thing that supports what you're saying is that if Danny waits judiciously to see what kind of value they command so he doesn't overpay, I get the feeling both Garnett and Allen will see it as a slight, much like TA and Leon did.

[LarBrd33]

One thing that supports what you're saying is that if Danny waits judiciously to see what kind of value they command so he doesn't overpay, I get the feeling both Garnett and Allen will see it as a slight, much like TA and Leon did.

Here's where I disagree with that.  Follow me on this logic...

All the way back in 2003, Ainge was in charge and wanted to add some vet help to his team.  Supposedly at 12:01am at the start of free agency (exactly one minute after teams could speak to potential free agents), Ainge knocked on Karl Malone's door.  Malone was 39 years old at the time, but still effective in his previous season with Utah.  Ainge offered him good money, tried to sell him on the storied Celtics tradition, and stressed that Boston could be a great fit for him.  It was the ultimate show of respect for a veteran big man.  Malone eventually decided to sign with the Lakers instead.

Now stick with me here.  List the best unrestricted free agents in this free agent class.  I got Deron Williams ranked #1 and Kevin Garnett ranked #2.  Ray Allen is probably in the top 5.  We are very unlikely to find a better option next year through free agency.  Seems to me if Ainge was willing to give that kind of respect to 39 year old Karl Malone... he should have no problem showing his appreciation for 36 year old Kevin Garnett.  I really think Ainge should probably just be up front with KG... ask him he wants... and give him whatever he needs to return.  Be transparent about it.  There is no sense is messing with him.  As long as Paul Pierce is still under contract we don't really have any real cap room to play with (25 mil total if we let KG, Ray, Jeff Green, Bass and Pietrus walk.  Can you think of a better use of 25 million??)... so just bring KG back for whatever he wants.  Hopefully he will take a major discount.

[j804]

One thing that supports what you're saying is that if Danny waits judiciously to see what kind of value they command so he doesn't overpay, I get the feeling both Garnett and Allen will see it as a slight, much like TA and Leon did.

I don't think he'd do that with someone like KG though, he deserves better than that and is everything to this team

[clover]

I don't see Ray signing before everyone's been able to check out the FA market.