What do you guys think? Here's what I think.
I speculate that Ainge, the ownership and KG & Pierce all had some pretty long heart to heart talks after the season ended.
I wouldn't be surprised if some of the conversation was something like this.
Ainge:
"Guys, we can keep you here and let you retire but the honest truth is that given our cap situation, and other factors, we don't feel we can build a true contender around you guys at this point and we simply also "have" to rebuild at some point. You could be part of that rebuilding or if possible we can try to find a spot for both of you together with another team where you have a legit opportunity to chase a title for the next few seasons before you retire? What do you want to do, what do you think...?
KG & Pierce: What teams?
Ainge: Well, New Jersey is showing interest - we'd take back some salary but we'd also get three firsts and it would help our rebuild.
KG: So you mean I'd actually have a legit center playing next to me for once?
Pierce: So I'd have another great point guard to play with who can shoot and another very solid wing guy who can actually carry a little bit of the scoring load?
Ainge: Yes
KG & Pierce, in unison: Where do we sign and when is the first game against Miami?
I'd be willing to bet that both KG and Pierce are actually thrilled with this trade. The main reason is that in a matter of a week they have been thrown into a situation that gives them a far better chance of competing for a title during their last few years than if they had stayed in Boston.
What more could two true hardwood warriors ask for at the end of their career?
Also, I believe that Brooklyn team, if it stays healthy, is going to the NBA finals. I think they crap all over Miami.
That is going to be a big, bruising team that can:
1. Play big: Lopez / KG or KG / Blatche
KG / Evans / Kireilenko / Pierce
2. Play fast: KG / Kirilenko / Pierce
I think it's just going to be a bruising team with all kinds of attitude and toughness. Would not watn to play them.
And I think there some folks in Miami raising some eyebrows right now.
Can't wait to root for KG and Pierce in Jersey, see them come come back to bean town for a hero's welcome and watch them stick it to Miami and go to the finals this year.
I couldn't be happier for those two players - and I bet they feel the same.