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**Premier** · 05-12-2005, 12:10 PM

Quote:

If Pierce were to go, here's some possible destinations

By Mark Murphy
Thursday, May 12, 2005 - Updated: 06:04 AM EST

Though his name has occasionally surfaced in the NBA marketplace, the Celtics have never felt compelled to trade their best player.
Not only is Paul Pierce [news] their best scorer (21.6 ppg), he is also their best rebounder (6.6 rpg) and generally their best passer (4.2 apg). Come to think of it, until rookie Al Jefferson matures, he's also their best post-up player.

But for a team that now has its sights set on the next step - be it the conference or league finals - director of basketball operations Danny Ainge will have to at least weigh the merits of a Pierce trade between now and next October.
Pierce, at 26 and in line to make $13.84 million, $15.1 million and an option year worth $16.36 million over the next three seasons, may already be at his peak value.

He shot a career-high 45.5 percent under Doc Rivers' system this season, though Pierce also chafed under his new coach. He wants to be the leader that his numbers (on the court and contractually) connote, but as Games 6 and 7 of the team's seven-game loss to the Pacers illustrated, Pierce has a growing tendency to melt down at the worst possible time. He can be disruptive - not good news for a management team attempting to instill a new philosophy and style.

Asked about remaining in Boston, Pierce has generally said the right thing in a rather unconvincing way.

There's nothing here that says Pierce will be traded. But there's no harm in taking a look at the marketplace.

You never know. Considering Ainge and his cold-blooded ability to do what's best for the team, there should be quite a market out there for the player who possesses the NBA's best combination of scoring and rebounding in a guard:

1. RAY ALLEN (Seattle, free agent, 28, 6-foot-5 shooting guard, 23.9 ppg, 3.7 apg last season): This would work as a sign-and-trade deal. Allen, who earned $14.6 million this season, was unable to reach an agreement with the Sonics on an extension, though negotiations were said to be civil. He's the NBA's premier shooter, and a career 44.6 percent shooter, but not as tough or durable as Pierce. He's a terrific passer, but a defensive liability. But if you're looking for someone who could fit into the lineup most seamlessly, this is probably the guy.

2. MICHAEL REDD (Milwaukee, free agent, 24, 6-6 shooting guard, 23.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg): A fledgling Allen, with perhaps even more explosive scoring potential, Redd is on the verge of an outstanding career. Unlike Allen, who could easily re-sign with the Sonics, Redd appears committed to signing with another team next season. He was a bargain for owner Sen. Herb Kohl at $3 million last year, but has his eyes set on the sort of max contract that could match Pierce's numbers. Again, this is a sign-and-trade option.

3. RON ARTEST (Indiana, 24, 6-7 small forward, 24.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg): Don't laugh. General managers have been attempting to pry the ultra-talented forward away from Larry Bird with a lot less than Pierce has to offer. The drawbacks are obvious. You're trading Pierce's oft-conflicted pouting for Artest's gone-postal tendencies. There also isn't a better defender in basketball. Ainge has often talked about adding or developing a so-called "Power 3.'' Artest defines the job. Creativity would also be needed to make the numbers match. Another reason Bird likes Artest? He's a bargain at $6.5 million, $7.15M, $7.8M and a player option of $8.45M over the next four seasons.

aquaitious · 05-12-2005, 01:44 PM

Wow...shall we give this team more than 3 months? This team has a great present, and an even better future.

Anyone wanna get a job at the Globe or the Herald? There must be a "apply" button online...

ZWW · 05-12-2005, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquaitious

Anyone wanna get a job at the Globe or the Herald? There must be a "apply" button online...

**#1AntoineWalkerFan** · 05-12-2005, 04:26 PM

is it just me or am i the only person that didnt know michael redd was 6-6...i thought that was a typo at first but i checked nba.com and it said the same thing...i swear he doesnt looke a cm over 6-3

Richie Rich · 05-12-2005, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquaitious

Wow...shall we give this team more than 3 months? This team has a great present, and an even better future.

Anyone wanna get a job at the Globe or the Herald? There must be a "apply" button online...

im with ya' aqua. we want to just trade away a guy who finally started to buy into the system. i dont liek it they need more time; after next year if they don't produce, then we start thinking of trading guys away or whatever, but even then i mean damn...

**agoo101284** · 05-12-2005, 08:28 PM

If there's a good offer, you have to take it. I have a feeling Ainge won't be calling people to offer Pierce. I also have a feeling that people will be calling Ainge to make offers for Pierce. Not really sure what I would prefer at the moment.

**whiterhino** · 05-13-2005, 12:55 PM

The writer of that article clearly has no clue saying Michael Redd is determined to sign elsewhere, EVERY TIME he's been asked Redd has said he wants to stay a Buck if any way possible...that is why the Bucks traded Keith Van Horn at the deadline for pretty much nothing, to clear cap space, it's also why the traded Mike James whom they loved.

**Cinco de Mayo** · 05-13-2005, 01:03 PM

I'm surprised the Herald didn't also include Nick Van Exel and the No. 35 overall.

FatMike58 · 05-13-2005, 01:20 PM

it would actually be NVE travis outlaw the # 35 for peirce we might add picks...good deal

Captain Obvious · 05-13-2005, 01:23 PM

Francis, Cato (expiring), and Stevenson for Pierce and LaFrentz?

Francis, Banks
Allen, West
Davis, Stevenson, 1st rounder
Walker, Jefferson
Blount, Cato, Perkins

**whiterhino** · 05-13-2005, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Obvious

Francis, Cato (expiring), and Stevenson for Pierce and LaFrentz?

Francis, Banks
Allen, West
Davis, Stevenson, 1st rounder
Walker, Jefferson
Blount, Cato, Perkins

uh Stevenson = junk
Cato = servicable junk
Francis = team cancer & ball hog

No thank you

**Premier** · 05-13-2005, 01:30 PM

No, the main part of a proposed Portland Trailblazer deal (not including Telfair) that involves Paul Pierce (and both our second rouners) would be their #5 selection in this year's draft (to go along with Nick Van Exel, Travis Outlaw, and the #35.

This way, we could trade our two first-round picks (#5 and #18) to Toronto for their two-first round picks (#7 and #16) and either a future first or #42.

Of course, this is all speculation.

FatMike58 · 05-13-2005, 01:37 PM

i like that even better...then we get martell webster

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