Now that Garnett has agreed to what amounts to a $10-11 million a year where does that leave the rest of the team?

Pierce at $16.8 million
Garnett at $10.5 million
Rondo at $11 million
Bradley at $1.7 million
Johnson at $1.1 million
Sullenger at $1.5 million
Melo at $1.5 million

Pretty sure those 7 will be on the roster for $43.1 million.

It seems the Celtics are trying to make it a priority to bring back Ray, Bass and Green. Today's report of an offer for Ray in the $6 million a year range for 2 years makes complete sense. Ray isn't getting a bigger offer from any other contender and it shows him his importance to this team. I could see Bass landing a Big baby deal here, 4 years/$6.5 per year. Green, well I just don't know. My guess is he will get a two year, prove it to me, $7 million a year contract.

Adding those three to the roster and you get 10 players at $62.5 million

Rondo
Bradley/Allen
Pierce/Green
Bass/Sullenger/Johnson
KG/Melo

This is going to be a team built to win it all over two years. Remember to use the MLE they will need to remain under the luxury tax level by $5 million. That level is going to be around the $70.3 million it was this year. The team's needs from this point going forward would be:
- a quality big man with experience
- a back up PG with experience
- a defensive swing man specialist/three point shooter
- experienced depth.


Now if Pietrus comes back at the vet minimum he helps the last two needs. Stiemsma has probably earned another look for a million a year for a couple years. That makes 12 guys and the team getting real close to that $65 million mark where they will want to use that MLE and stay under the luxury tax.

So it comes down to where to spend the MLE. While I know the outcry will be for players like Chris Kaman, Spencer Hawes, Ersan Ilyasova, Jason Terry, Kris Humphries, Jamal Crawford and the like, I think those names are unlikely due to money demands or fit on this team.

I think the guys Danny needs to look at are Jason Thompson, Carl Landry, Boris Diaw, Shannon Brown, Ian Mahinmi, and Marcus Camby.

Now that is all predicated on making all of the above signings first. If Ray doesn't sign, then I am in favor of shaking things up with a sign and trade of either or both of Jeff green and Brandon Bass and getting a quality player in here and using the MLE differently.

The free agent season is just beginning but my guess is a lot hinges on the answer that Danny gets from Ray because without him in the fold, the MLE might need to replace him and then either youth or our sign and tradeable assets or both might need to be sent out in a trade to get the big man depth we will need for a proper run at another title.