Boston's 2010 Cap Situation

[Datruth345]

from vegan fish taco's ( )...

Boston Celtics

Will they retain what they’ve got? Probably

Core guys locked up: Kevin Garnett (through 2012), Paul Pierce (through 2011), and Kendrick Perkins (through 2011)

2010 or earlier free agents: Ray Allen (2010), Leon Powe (2009), Tony Allen (2010), Glen Davis (2009)

Immovable contracts: None

Projected 2010 committed salary: $54,528,736 (Garnett, Pierce, K. Perkins, JR Giddens, and Rajon Rondo’s cap hold)

What they should do: The Celtics are in a compelling position because they are set for the long term as far as the cap is concerned yet wield considerable clout in terms of players either with 2010-friendly contracts, solid talent, or both. Brian Scalabrine’s $3.4m expiring deal in 2010 could prove incredibly useful in terms of garnering a piece with a little longer deal. Since at least one of the Leon Powe/Glen Davis duo should re-sign with Boston, they will have a solid big man grouping. One other avenue they might want to consider if KG starts slowing down is to move Perkins for a guy like Mike Miller who can take over Ray Allen’s swingman to help keep the team competitive. Assuming they don’t need it to retain talent, the MLE is another key weapon for the Celtics, as they will continue to be a desirable squad as long as they are competitive.

they have team summaries for every team in the league as well

2010 Offseason primer
http://veganfishtacos.wordpress.com/200 ... on-primer/

[KyleCleric]

The Celtics seem to have a great opportunity to steal a decent young star in the offseason. Some teams are going to want to have cap flexibility for 2010. The Celtics have Ray, Scal, Tony Allen, Patrick O'Bryant, and perhaps Eddy House all expiring after next season. Some teams may want to shed salary. A deal around Ray still keeps them competitive and puts them in a good financial situation. Ainge could best take advantage of this by moving Ray in a deal for a couple of years of salary and a young star or prospects, whatever. A sign and trade is another possibility as well.

[BlamePitino]

Don't underestimate Ainge's love for Durant, either. At this point, what are the odds he stays in Oklahoma City, when he could make triple the amount in endorsements playing in a city like Boston? Not saying we'll get him, but my guess is that's who Ainge has his eye on in terms of trying to acquire another young star. Does he try and wait until 2011 to make a splash? And if so, would he use Rondo as bait? Rondo for Durant is a honey of a deal for Oklahoma City if it seems like he's set on leaving.

Personally, I feel like the next trade-a-star situation could unfold in Dallas with Dirk. Not sure if we would be players there in terms of acquiring him, but I'm sure Ainge could try to get in on a three-way somehow. The whole situation for the Celtics seems to depend on how long Ray can stay vibrant. Pierce will probably stay about the same for another three or four years, since he relies heavily on driving to the hoop and getting fouled--which he'll be able to do for a while longer. Doc is very protective of Garnett minutes wise, and he'll still be able to knock down jumpers pretty much forever, and will likely maintain his rebounding/defense for at least 25 of his minutes for the next three seasons or so. Rondo and Perk will only get better (knocking on wood for health). If Ray stays solid, I'm not sure I see us making any huge move, to be honest. Just add another Posey-like player off the bench (preferably a young guy) to Tony Allen and Powe, and we're A) as good as anyone on paper and B) have by far the best chemistry in the game--maybe even to the point of an all-time conversation. Then, when it comes to an end, trade Garnett and Allen for veteran pieces (I'm not sure Pierce will get us enough of a return to risk ruining the "career Celtic" triumph), be mediocre for two years (which people will forgive to go give Paul his swan song standing ovations), then get right back in it like the Jazz did post-Malone/Stockton.

Also, don't sleep on Yi Jianlian, either. He's quietly having a very, very nice season in New Jersey. If it weren't for his playing on a division rival, he'd seem like a very realistic target at some point, especially given his affection for KG.

[GreenMachine]

Perk for Miller is the worst idea I have heard in a very long time.

Above average BIG with a good contract for an average Wing with a bad contract?

And to make it worse he says "if KG starts slowing down" - like that would be a good time to trade your only other top line Big for another Wing...

Geesh.

[BlamePitino]

As long as Garnett's here, Perk is here. It's that simple.

[Celts17Pride]

As long as Garnett's here, Perk is here. It's that simple.

as long as KG & Pierce are here then Ray Allen will be here. Mark my words the Celtics will resign Ray Allen like they should. The Celtics are not going to break up Pierce, KG & Ray Allen. Wish all you want about 2010 cap space, it's not going to happen. IMO.

[DarkAzcura]

In my opinion, that article lost a lot when it gave the idea of trading Perk for Miller like he isn't valuable on his own.

[Datruth345]

i also thought the perk for miller trade was terrible, they obviously haven't been paying attention to the way celtics basketball is played

[Kaykoose]

I thought I read somewhere that Pierce could opt out for the free agency period in question. Is that true? If so, I wonder if he would be willing to skip that last year and sign back for extremely cheap

[Hemingway]

I wonder if we could sign another star at somepoint and keep everyone with some sort of crafty moves. I don't know what the CBA allows. Maybe somesort of deal where we re sign someone for big money for a year and trade him where the team that receives him cuts him and he comes back here. I don't know, maybe someone here has a more plausible scenario.

If Ray will resign for a reasonable deal that lets him retire as a Celtic than we should probably not trade him. IF we improve our bench than our Starting 5 is still competitive for years to come.

[CeltsfanSinceBirth]

I thought I read somewhere that Pierce could opt out for the free agency period in question. Is that true? If so, I wonder if he would be willing to skip that last year and sign back for extremely cheap

Paul Pierce is intent on remaining a Celtic not only for the rest of his playing days, but for the rest of his life. If he could opt out and give the Cs a chance to sign a premiere free agent in order to keep the championships coming, I imagine he would.