As of right now, would you deal Allen for Martin?

[e in boulder]

This is whats know in the business as OVERRACTION and PANIC. Celtics have the 2nd best road record in the NBA and can get it done in the playoffs.

The thing is, I don't really see wanting to trade Ray for Martin as panic or overREaction. If we were looking for draft picks or expiring contracts, that could seem like a panic move. But I really think going from Ray to Martin is an improvement, not a lateral move for the sake of change. Ask 100 NBA fans who would they rather have Ray @ 34 or Martin @ 27 - I think 70 would say Martin. And 80% of the remaining 30 are probably disillusioned Celtics fans who own Ray Allen #20 jerseys and don't want to buy a new one to stay relevant.

Hey I have a Ray Allen jersey too my friend, but I'd be lying I said I'm not looking forward to getting that home #9 after this season. And for those who can't afford a new one yet, duct tape a 4 before the 2 and BOOM a makeshift Tony Allen / 420 jersey. Wayyyyy cooler IMHO

[darrendaye]

Why are so many people willing to do this deal? I'd much rather have Ray Allen then Kevin Martin. If we are going to trade Ray it should be for someone whose been healthy. I never want Kevin Martin on my team, he's a pussy.

At the rate Martin draws contact and gets to the free throw line, I would suggest you reconsider that opinion. The health concern is a valid one and reason to pause. Calling Martin a soft player is a bit misguided, IMO.

[Celts17Pride]

What people fail to realize when they are talking about Allen for Martin is the future is now. The Celtics future is this year and next year and that's it. After next year Ray, Pierce and KG will all be done as far as being the 1st or 2nd option for a team.

Pierce, KG and Ray Allen are special players that don't come around that often. The best way to compete for a championship is to keep the starting 5 intact for the next couple of years. Anything else is just blowing it up. Ray Allen is better for the Celtics than Kevin Martin this year. Look how long it's taken Vince Carter to adjust to the Magic. Martin is going to adjust to the Celtics and make them better in 30 games?

It's pretty simple IMO, if you want to try and win a championship this year then you keep the starting five intact. If you want to build for the future then you might as well trade all of the Big 3 because they have a 2 year window at best and bringing in a major piece is not going to get it done this year.