As a Boston Celitcs fan, it's hard for me to say that the C's need to swallow their pride and trade both veterans for future considerations. It's a business. Pierce has been a Celtic his entire career and KG changed the entire Boston culture since his arrival in 2007-08. Garnett changed this entire defense and Pierce has been the leader through good and bad years and hasn't left the team. The Celtics have been dominant the last 5 years prior to this year because of the combination of Pierce, Garnett, Allen, Rondo and Coach Doc Rivers, along with multiple others who have helped Boston succeed. With Allen now playing with the Miami Heat and Rondo out for the rest of the year with a torn ACL, it is time to blow it up it Boston and continue on and build around the few, young player we have.
Had Rondo not been injured I would have wanted to move him as he would have fetched the most in terms of value seeing as Rondo is the youngest and most prominent. The Celtics are dealing these players under the assumption that they will at best make playoffs, but not at all seriously contend for NBA title for rest of season with Rondo now out. Even next year with Rondo back and KG and Pierce a year older, the Celtics would still not have a legitimate shot at the NBA title. I love Pierce and KG and trading them away would be a terrible PR decision because of what they've done for team and city/region. But as a basketball decision, it is the correct one. Pierce and Garnett still have some creditable value right now (Pierce as a scorer/leader/good defener, Garnett as an elite defender, floor spacer, jump shot maker) and can fetch a decent return that would benefit the team within the next 5 years.
If the Celtics were able to trade Pierce, Garnett, Terry and Bass and gather 3-4 younger players and picks (players and picks actually worth decent players), I'd pull the trigger on each one and build around Avery Bradley, Rondo, Courtney Lee (he could be traded also if the return is worthwhile), Jared Sullinger (BEAST), Jeff Green (Another Beast), and Fab Melo, the Celtics would AT LEAST have an all-star caliber PG and a defensive stud and improving player in Avery Bradley at SG (He's in his 3rd year, just 22!). Jeff Green can be more than solid at SF and switch to PF occasionally with Lee playing the 2/3. Sullinger is the ultimate answer for the C's at PF, incredible rebounder. Just a very, very smart player, improving offense (should have mentioned him in early NBA ROY post) and he is going to be a cornerstone guy going forward, especially if Pierce or Garnett are moved. Melo, at worst, is a big, defensive center who comes off the bench and provides strength up the middle and no easy lay-ups. Potential to be a starter one day. Add those 5 to whoever the Celtics can add in trades and the draft and the Celtics have a very exciting future awaiting. As much as I'd hate to see it myself, it is time to say goodbye to Garnett and Pierce. It was a wonderful run and you've both done sooooooooo much for the Boston Celtics. Whatever happens, I hope the best for both of them. If the Boston Celtics want to do well come 2014-1018, both Pierce and Garnett (and all the money they're due) need to go.
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