I really don't understand all this trade talk...

[Ed Pinkney]

I am puzzled by all this trade talk. I know it is great fun to play GM and think about trade scenarios that could be interesting to our team but why are we talking about trading our All Star level starting back court for draft picks in a supposedly weak draft and role players?

Ray Allen was probably our best player last season. Yes, he is the oldest of the big three, he is becoming somewhat one dimensional and his contract expires next season but you don't just give away pretty much the best shooter in the league. Also the effect that having someone as professional and respected as Ray is hard to measure in value. Or replace.

RONDO AVERAGED NEARLY A TRIPLE DOUBLE FOR THE WHOLE PLAYOFFS AND HE JUST FINISHED HIS THIRD YEAR IN THE LEAGUE. So he can't shoot as well as we like and he can disappear at crucial times occasionally. Why are we talking about giving away a player who could be a top three point guard and All Star for the next ten years and has already shown that he can be absolutely dominant at both ends of the court? Or at the very least a high quality starting point guard on a playoff team?

If Danny could get a bonafide All Star in their mid twenties (Chris Paul, Brandon Roy, Deron Williams etc) then that is one thing even though that is incredibly unlikely. But the fourth or fifth pick and Brendan Haywood? Please, that is just ridiculous.

If completely healthy, we were arguably the best team in the league this season. Assuming Garnett comes back healthy then we need to address our bench issues because it is clearly a problem. As a unit, overall I think we have the best starting five in the league, even though we don't have the best player at any one position. We need to remember that. If Garnett is unable to recover from this knee injury then maybe we need to look at doing something major.

Let's hope we can sign a quality vet or two or trade some our bench for a decent player or a draft pick (or both). Remember that championship teams can be built in one off season, we are proof of that. They can also just as easily be destroyed in one off season with the wrong move.

[Bluewhale]

Danny is just testing the Market. Don't worry, we are not in panic mode.

[SonicYouth34]

It brings back all the fond memories of the 2007 off season. Making up trades and all that junk. Its fun, but I doubt anything happens this off season.

[ParticleMan]

The only way I could see it happening is if we brought back someone like Wade.

of course that rumor's a complete fabrication, but i'm just saying that's what it would take. otherwise i don't see why we break up a championship team.

[BillessuR6]

We have some huge assets and we have to see if there is something out there that can make us better. An allstar with a 20 million expiring contract is a big chip and we need to think about making the best out of it. I agree that picks and role players aren`t enough, IMO, we can get a legit allstar back...

Danny just needs to be patient and wait for the best deal...

[campybatman]

What I can't understand is why do people keep putting Boston and Wade in the same sentence. Like, yeah we can get Wade, it could happen. Really? Then I must be wrong in thinking that that's a pipe-dream, and there's no way Miami would allow themselves to lose him. But, the compulsion to mention Wade by a lot folks is ridiculous.

I'm not referring to one particular poster here, but I read around and his name seemingly is always there out of people's mouths. Why? You get Garnett, and it's like you can get anyone. Tough when you've something called circumstances.

[MaxwellSmart]

NO chance in hell we get Wade---he's not going anywhere--unless HE asks for a trade,or tells them he's NOT signing an extension....But, I DO see why we're talking about trading Ray Allen----if we just keep him and let his HUGE salary slot expire---WE ARE SCREWED---Cause we CANNOT sign another big name All Star, just because Ray's $20 million comes off our books----We will STILL be over the cap---so, ALL we'll be able to do is sign a guy to the MLE....which means a CRAP player to replace Ray Allen----So, why not trade him NOW ? --if it means bringing in an ALL STAR Player, who is younger and has MORE YEARS Left on his current deal.----This will keep us at ELITE TEAM STATUS---Does this NOT make sense to some of you????

The package has to include a big contract STAR-from a team looking to save money next year and a young guy coming back to us....we don't wanna trade Ray for more ROLE players.

But, I will say that waiting til the trading deadline might be the BEST thing to do---let's see how our team is doing--and see which teams are DESPERATE to deal at that point.

[Kefa461]

This reminds me of 2 seasons ago before "some" were here. Right before the Ray deal and before the KG deal. We spoke of rumors and deals some were amazing and alot of people got their dander up over alot of deals made up of some minds and some from sites and some from said insiders who would not reveal the contacts. People were called out...some called liars etc..etc...etc.... They are all rumors until a deal is done. Why people get upset is beyond me...no one here is pulling the trigger on a deal. Because it's from Chad Ford makes a difference......who never reveals his source ( who he could have heard it from a waiter) makes no sense to me...but whatever...it's still a rumor. It seems to me it would make sense to make a thread for rumors and put them ALL there because by the definition that's what they all are.

The other problem is what makes the deal. Who is involved in the deal. Just because the rumor has a player You happen to like doesn't automatically make the rumor impossible nor the player coming make the rumor impossible to happen. This happened 2 seasons ago when KG was mentioned.....remember. Ray too.
Even when the early sources were from mainstream ones. I guess we will see soon the off season is just flying away.

[3pt %]

its essentially the off season and people are bored.

Its only going to worse before it gets better, so just relax and enjoy the ride. There is no point fighting the speculation.

[TA42]

I agree that it's exciting to hear all of the rumors and ultimately nothing will probably come from it.

Danny's job is to turn over every stone in his quest to not only win another championship but to think about the future as well.

We can sit and question why we would trade Rondo or Ray Allen but the truth is Danny has a lot of information we simply do not know.

He could be floating Rondo around based on the fact that his value is very high right now and maybe he's getting signals from Rondo's agent that he wants a max (or close to max) deal.

Maybe he's concerned about Ray's health or simply believes that he can get similar production at a much lesser salary.

Who knows?

While this draft is indeed weak, I believe it's viewed that way because there's very few players that can come in and help your team immediately. It doesn't mean that they cannot be good or great down the line. So if Danny can trade one of Rondo or Ray for a high lottery pick and an upgraded bench you have to consider it.

I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens but regardless, at least it's been an interesting offseason.

[canman1971]

One thing people are generally forgetting, and that is the Celtics could very well sign Ray to a contract extension. They don't necessarily have to lose him.

But, I agree with those who feel Ainge is just doing his due diligence.

[chakdaddy]

We don't really have huge assets, that's the thing. The only big asset we have is Rondo; and we have Ray's contract to combine with it. But we'd have to really get something great in return to justify trading either of them.

[kmgarnett21]

I agree with the thread starter. We would be on the verge of repeating (more than likely) this very week if KG were healthy. When healthy, we're easily the best team in the league. I understand that Ray Allen is a very important tradeable asset, but unless we get a player of equal value with a better contract, i don't see the need.

Our 'window' is already small enough, why trade Rondo or Ray, or both, and basically have to start all over with the chemistry, system and everything? If we were in the Finals right now, which we would be if we were healthy, then none of this would be coming up and that is what makes me sick.

ALL WE NEED IS A COUPLE OF BENCH GUYS AND WE'LL EASILY BE CHAMPS NEXT SEASON as long as we're healthy.

To those saying Ainge is just doing his job, I totally understand that. I understand shopping Rondo when his value is this high or shopping Ray b/c he's a star with a great contract to trade, BUT WE'RE THE BEST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE WHEN HEALTHY

[Frank Lucas]

You guys can kick me off this site like you did CT for this but I'm telling you guys the person the Cs want is D-Wade and the best chance of getting him is this off-season. Rondo and Ray Allen are the magice pair to go and it makes the most sense. Not to say too much but there is some smoke to the Wade for Rondo and Ray trade rumor. Also clearing Ray and Rondo off the books the Cs will have the money to give Wade an extension. P.S. Wade wouldn't mind coming to Boston to play with KG

[canman1971]

You guys can kick me off this site like you did CT for this but I'm telling you guys the person the Cs want is D-Wade and the best chance of getting him is this off-season. Rondo and Ray Allen are the magice pair to go and it makes the most sense. Not to say too much but there is some smoke to the Wade for Rondo and Ray trade rumor. Also clearing Ray and Rondo off the books the Cs will have the money to give Wade an extension. P.S. Wade wouldn't mind coming to Boston to play with KG

Why would you get kicked off this site for saying this? My second question would be, and you know this how? I am sure the Celtics would love Wade, but many on here would argue that if, and it is a big if, Miami chose to trade Wade, they could probably do much better than Ray/Rondo. Not saying that is a horrible trade, just the fact that you could get more.

[Kefa461]

You guys can kick me off this site like you did CT for this but I'm telling you guys the person the Cs want is D-Wade and the best chance of getting him is this off-season. Rondo and Ray Allen are the magice pair to go and it makes the most sense. Not to say too much but there is some smoke to the Wade for Rondo and Ray trade rumor. Also clearing Ray and Rondo off the books the Cs will have the money to give Wade an extension. P.S. Wade wouldn't mind coming to Boston to play with KG

Back 2 years ago...when in the off season we were posting trades I learned and forgot even if one has some inside info to lean on and this is speaking for myself only....I would never post it. The person might not want me to and it get very complicated.....If I ever got any info...smile and keep it to myself, life is so much easier that way. Nobody get pissed off at you...either way. Btw....CT was not very reliable with the info given..imo.

[campybatman]

If weather's an issue for Wade so much so to deter him from seeing New York as an option to sign with as a free agent. Why would he come to Massachusetts where the weather can get cold here as well?

The Heat's interest in Chris Bosh apparently is mutual. A friend of the Toronto power forward said Bosh has interest in playing for Miami, which would love to add him via trade this summer or free agency in 2010.

Bosh assuredly will dismiss any report linking him to another team because he doesn't want to upset the Raptors and doesn't need to decide his future for 13 months. But the friend said playing in Miami appeals to him.

With Bosh announcing he will test free agency in 2010, a competing executive who spoke to Raptors president Bryan Colangelo said Toronto appears open to considering offers for Bosh and likely would consider a package that includes Michael Beasley -- if the Heat overcomes reluctance to trade Beasley.

There are good reasons not to trade Beasley. For starters, Miami has a good chance to lure Bosh in 2010 free agency. And with the salary cap expected to drop in 2010, the Heat -- if it can sign Bosh and Dwyane Wade next summer -- would not have money left to sign a third player as skilled as Beasley. The risk is that if Bosh is traded to a team other than Miami, there's a chance he might want to stay there long-term.

A friend of Wade's said he indicated privately that he wants to stay with Miami long-term. But is Wade impatient for the team to be built into a championship contender, even though it might not happen until 2010?

''I'm a Heat player under contract,'' Wade said this offseason, adding there's no choice ''but to be patient. I know everyone wants to fast-track this team, and that's what makes me excited about the future. We're taking the right steps.'' Wade has said he will not sign with New York because of the weather.

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/baske ... 96122.html

[Ed Pinkney]

I don't have any problem with people discussing trade ideas regardless if they are from a supposed rumour or just what a particular poster would like to see happen in a perfect world. They are fun and keeps the off season interesting.

I guess the points of the original post were why we are talking about wholesale changes to championship contending team (assumning Garnett is OK) and why are we talking about giving away two of our best players who are All Stars or borderline All Stars for draft picks and role players? And not even that good role players.

If we have a legitimate chance at landing a Dwayne Wade level player then Danny needs to be seriously considering making that move. I would love if we could get Deron Williams for example.

I also agree with the poster who asked why everyone assumes we need to get rid of Ray just because his large contract is expiring and he is 33. I would prefer if we cant get a blue chip player in a trade, we should really be looking at re-signing him for a veteran contract and keep him as a sniper off the bench. Reggie Miller was highly effective until he was close to 40.

[GreenMachine]

Amen!

Add a MLE vet, make a small trade or two... and have a great run next year.

Did anyone see the blip on Hoops Hype saying Odom could be had for the MLE (with multiple years)?

Wallace, Odom, Kidd, Bibby, Marion, Artest etc - we have a real shot at getting one of these guys - 3 years/MLE. We would be nasty if we kept our current team and added one of the above (plus 1 or 2 other cheap guys).

[wd707]

Odom cant be had for the mle trust me, marion no way and artest NO WAY. So your left with maybe wallace, kidd, and bibby (maybe)