Ray Allen (WIRETAP ARTICLE)

[MyInsatiableOne]

I don't think Ray Allen is going anywhere.

I agree.

I expect both Ray & Rondo to sign extensions this off-season before the first regular season game. Ainge has said all along that he won't even discuss extensions until October. I expect Ray & Rondo to be around for many more years.

I agree, and will be all the happier for it...

[sully00]

The other thing with Ray is that he represents himself and in that scenario likely will not even negotiate with Ainge or his people but with Wyc and Steve who he has a direct relationship with. He had this situation with Kohl in MIL and I believe with the previous ownership in SEA.

Ray Allen is a franchise and a brand to himself, you got the work ethic, the spotless off the court behavior, the charitable foundation, and the HOF resume. Ray has lost almost all connection to the Bucks and the Sonics no longer exist, while Basketball is Basketball, Business is Business and those HOF's they like the show off at the Garden aren't getting any younger. While Pierce is going to be a Celtic lifer much like Garnett his life after basketball is not going to be in NE, Ray's is. Assuming he retires before Pierce Ray will be the first player identified with the Celtics (and the new ownership) to go to the HOF since the Celtics of the 80's. Much like it does in Foxboro with guys like Bruschi and Troy Brown this has a value beyond the court.

I would guess even the deals that Ainge was trying to work this offseason would have revolved around a buy out of Ray's contract so he could return to Boston. My guess is that as this offseason closes so do any chances of Boston moving Ray Allen.

[SeizeCoup]

Reading and thinking about Ray's last team being the Celtics made me wonder: does anyone think it's possible that Pierce retires before Ray?

[MyInsatiableOne]

Reading and thinking about Ray's last team being the Celtics made me wonder: does anyone think it's possible that Pierce retires before Ray?

An interesting proposition...never thought about that before...

I suppose it could happen...Paul's game has meant he's taken a lot more abuse over the years than Ray has...

[jrbremer]

i'd be surprised if ray retired before pierce. who would you expect to decline faster, a jump shooter or a slasher/contact-drawer? pierce's bruises are gonna catch up to him before allen gets tired of coming off screens.

[sully00]

I think that Pierce is a much better shooter than he is given credit for that said I don't think he could really tolerate playing a reduced role, I just couldn't see him being a 3rd option and taking 10 shots a game going out gracefully. When he is done he is done.

[jrbremer]

oh he's a good shooter, that doesn't change the fact that most of his offensive game starts on the low block and has him driving into contact

[MyInsatiableOne]

Pierce has taken a ton of physical abuse, especially earlier in his career, given all the driving to the hoop he does...

That has to account for something. In dog years, he's gotta be older than Ray!