An Uncertain Future Lies Ahead For Boston

Following an early dismissal from the playoffs, Danny Ainge finds himself amisdt a plethora of personnel decisions.  Danny is in one of the more tougher spots I’ve seen a GM had to deal with in my life. Any decision he makes for sure will come with scrutiny as there is most certainly a huge divide between the fanbase/media in which course they should take. He’s gotta make a decision that is both best for the Franchise and it’s players and one that appeases, for the most part, the fans as it’s his duty to put bodies in those seats in the Garden. He can either end an era and a legacy to help the franchise move on or he can add pieces to make another run. Lets take a look at his options.

Most signs are pointing towards Danny moving on from the Big 3 era. Pierce’s family has already begun to move signaling that he and his family already expect Paul to either be bought out of the remainder of his contract or traded(the more likely scenario). Buying out Paul Pierce while in theory would save the Celtics some money, it most likely would not result in the Celtics going back under the cap(provided they don’t make other personnel changes) so it would be more sensible for Ainge to see what value Pierce holds in the trade market. I have no doubt that Pierce could garner a suitable package as he still holds value to contending teams. One trade between the Clippers which has been discussed frequently is one that involves the Celtics recieving Deandre Jordan and Eric Bledsoe. Now take that one with a grain of salt because I really don’t have any knowledge regarding the validity of the rumor. It makes some sense though since Los Angeles is in somewhat of a win-now mindset and could use a veteran scorer like Paul off the bench but it still remains to be seen how they see Jordan and Bledsoe as apart of their future.

While Paul’s future is still a little foggy it remains clearer than Kevin Garnett. It’s already known that his future is tied to Pierce’s but I could see a future where Garnett remains on the Celtics. Unlike with Pierce, Garnett is in the drivers seat of his own future. He still has two years remaining on his contract so buying him out is not an option. Health may also play a factor in his decision to keep going on with the Celtics. Last year he suffered some debilitating injuries to his ankles and hips that won’t require surgery but still you gotta wonder with a guy who has so much mileage whether or not they can go on.

I don’t want either gone but I also don’t want a repeat of this past season. Trading one of them and getting something back in the form of young talent or a 1st round pick is most likely the best scenario for this team and would really help expedite a rebuilding/retooling process. Being mediocre in the NBA, is like being in purgatory. If you’re not contending for a championship or a bottom feeder with great draft position you’ll get nowhere and end up being the Utah Jazz(You DONT want to be the Utah Jazz). It’s essential for Boston to do whatever it takes to get back to championship contention and if it takes ending a legacy then I guess that’s what needs to happen.