Should Boston trade one of their big 3?

[DangerMouse_007]

This is pretty left field thinking but I'm just concerned as a Celtics fan about their chances next season. I really think they won this year on hunger which was most apparent in their defense. I don't care what anyone says they won't have that same hunger next season. They were all playing for their careers this season. Without that manic desire I think their age and other short falls may start to show. At various times through the season and playoffs, their big three went through some bad slumps offensively. I see at least one of them taking a more sever step back in terms of offensive productivity next season. I could even see two of them going down hill. Considering their ages I don't see this is an outlandish statement.

With this is in mind, should Boston fail to win this year, I don't see them winning another championship with this group as they certainly won't get better. There are no young players who look like stepping up as superstars. Rondo would be closest but he was patch at times this season has more the look of a very good player than a pure star. In looking to the future then I can see how trading Allen or Garnett could really bring them rewards long term. At the moment teams would probably be willing to give up more for Allen and Garnett than their actually worth. The hype surrounding the championship will probably ensure this. Should Boston fail to make the finals though the gloss will really rub off these players and their trade value could diminish substantially.

If I'm Boston then I would be looking to deal Allan who probably has the biggest potential fall in him this season. I think they could get someone younger who could easily replace his stats and probably be more consistent through the year. The NBA is full of good shooters and the Celtics could potentially get two players nearly as good as Allan for the price of him alone. The next guy I'd consider would be KG. He was awesome in the regular season but went missing a bit in the playoffs. In trading him the biggest thing they would be risking is what he brings to the teams chemistry and his leadership. You can't replace that. However think of the players they could get for him? They could swing a massive deal that could guarantee their spot in the Eastern conference finals for the next few years on just talent alone.

I wouldn't trade Pierce as you need to leave an original player in the team for the fans.

 

[Ridders]

this is a joke right?

 

[McLovin]

Pierce will never leave.

KG will never leave.

 

[Panthers_God]

what?

 

[shiznit]

lol.... i dont usually post in these forums but i saw the title and had to have a look...

we all remember what happend to the lakers when they traded Shaq....

 

[Panthers_God]

This is stupid.

Have a look at the Detriot Pistons and tell me that Boston need to trade their big 3.

Yeah Boston may make minor trades for role players but the big three all still have a few years of prime basketball in them, especially Pierce and KG.

I think this offseason will be one of the boring-est in recent years.

 

[DangerMouse_007]

Have a look at Miami with Shaq. They went down hill very quickly. I think its very possible that the Celtics could do the same.

 

[Stranger]

Have a look at Miami with Shaq. They went down hill very quickly. I think its very possible that the Celtics could do the same.

Thats quite an unfair assesment.

This season Shaq was injured far to much at Miami along with surrounding injuries with the rest of the team this year. Main players missing large amounts of game time. Miami finished what, 4th or 5th last year in the East?

Even if the Celtics have a huge downfall because of age, it won't happen for a few years. Alot of basketball to be played between now and then. Celtics are a good chance to go back 2 back.

 

[McLovin]

If i were Boston and i was offered Shaq for Ray Allen, i wouldn't do it. Shaq is the most washed up baller in the league, he should have retired when he won his 4th ring...

 

[Stranger]

Are you serious?

He made alot of people eat their words at the Suns IMO. I mean he will never be a 25-20 player again but he was banking up 15-15 which is pretty deacent considering Amare could also play center. His downfall is still well his downfall... shooting what 50% from the free throw...

And McLovin you are aware that Mutumbo was still at Houston :lol:

 

[Panthers_God]

Have a look at Miami with Shaq. They went down hill very quickly. I think its very possible that the Celtics could do the same.

Shaq was well past his prime in 06.

Pierce and Garnett are still in their prime and for a few more seasons. I still think Ray Allen, although not in his prime will give a more than adequete scoring option and he is the BEST free throw shooter in the NBA (maybe Korver/Nash).

Bookies are giving boston 7/2 for next season's championship. I think that's spot on too.

 

[Tiger Hawk]

Thats quite an unfair assesment.

This season Shaq was injured far to much at Miami along with surrounding injuries with the rest of the team this year. Main players missing large amounts of game time. Miami finished what, 4th or 5th last year in the East?

Even if the Celtics have a huge downfall because of age, it won't happen for a few years. Alot of basketball to be played between now and then. Celtics are a good chance to go back 2 back.

8th, barely. And were swept in the first round by Chicago.

I agree he should have retired after number 4, if only to protect his legacy, but Shaq is hardly washed up. Any other centre in the NBA throws up a 15/15 on a regular basis, like he was doing with the Suns, he'd be proclaimed as something special. Shaq does it and somehow it's not good enough. Never mind that he's the third wheel in that Suns team and wasn't brought in to score....

Celtics have a good core for another couple of seasons, don't need to trade just yet. Keep signing veteran free agents who want to win and they'll be highly competitive for another 2-3 years. In this Eastern conference, they have a legitimate chance of getting back to the Finals next year, depending on what moves the Cavs/Pistons/Magic of the world make.

 

[McLovin]

And McLovin you are aware that Mutumbo was still at Houston :lol:

Mount Mutombo >> Shaq

Who wants to sex Mutombo?

 

[Panthers_God]

Mount Mutombo >> Shaq

Who wants to sex Mutombo?

***does the mutumbo finger wag***

 

[DangerMouse_007]

Imagine if the Heat had traded Shaq straight away after that winning season. They would have got an awesome deal for him. They'd be in a lot better position than they are now. Everyone saying they have a good core for 2-3 years is probably right. However if they don't win next year its unlikely they'll come back and win after that. Teams always wait until players go down hill before they trade them. However if you move them earlier you get a lot more for them.

 

[Tiger Hawk]

Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

At this stage, Pierce is the Finals MVP, KG is the DPOTY (and runner-up to regular season MVP) and you could argue that Ray Allen was the second best player through the Conference Finals and Finals (check out his numbers). Plus Rondo's just thrown up a monster game in the clinching game 6. You don't trade any of those guys now because you can't say those guys will definitely decline next year. That core contends for the next 2 years minimum as long as the front office keeps signing decent role-players.

 

[Special K]

They got a awesome deal anyway in Marion ffs

Boston is going to have a swagger about them next season. Now they know the feeling of winning it, they wont let it go. Plus they have improvement left in them, they'll bring in some new hungry vets again for next season.

Also you wouldnt get much for Ray Allen I don't think. While he has been a team player i think his value is at a all time low compared to what he means to the team. Plus you would have to send him west and I doubt they want to make Boston younger and deeper. KG will retire a T-Wolf I have no doubts but I think that will be a one day contract type situation

 

[Panthers_God]

Let's put it this way.

If you were Boston who coould you trade for? (reasonably)

I think the best part of the big 3 is the way they all compliment each others game with shooting, slashing and rebounding.

And I agree with Special K, Miami got a great deal for Marion. If Miami get a decent centre or PG they are my tip for the most improved team next season, along with Portland.

Depending on draft results Miami could end up with
PG. Quinn
SG. Dwaynde Wade
SF. Ricky Davis/Michael Beasley
PF Shawn Marion
C. Blount

Bench: Udonis Haslem, Dorrell Wright, Daquen Cook, Marcus Banks, Alonzo Mourning

Make some obvious trade like Davis, Blount, Banks for a solid centre.

And maybe trade down in the draft for a PG.

 

[McLovin]

I'd start Zo over Blount if Marion if playing the PF position. They'd get done like a dinner on the defensive end imo...