NBA Rumors: Should Boston Celtics Trade Paul Pierce With Knicks Playoffs Sweep Looming?

April 27, 2013 - Basketball, Sports - Tagged: , , , , , , , , - 2 comments

The Boston Celtics are on the verge of getting swept by the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs. The Celtics look old. They look tired. They are severely outmatched. While the team still has an unquestionable amount of heart, the talent is simply no longer there, at least enough for Boston to make a postseason run. Simply put, it is over. This end has led to the inevitable conclusion that the time is now for the Celtics to trade Paul Pierce at some point prior to the 2014 NBA Trade Deadline.

Although I truly hope that I am wrong, I do not see Kevin Garnett returning next season. While he may have signed a three year contract last Summer, the understanding was there that it was more or less a series of three one year deals. The way this season ended, coupled with the fact that Garnett did not want to accept a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers even for a three or four month rental leads me to speculate about his pending retirement.

So, if Garnett goes, then what? Yes, Rajon Rondo will be returning at some point next season. But is his return truly enough to put the Celtics back into NBA Championship discussions in 2014? I feel that the answer is a resounding no.

Pierce has a year left on his current deal, and I do not see it as one which either side will be looking to extend. I also do not see Pierce leaving as a free agent after next season. While you cannot question what he has meant to the Celtics’ organization and the fans for so many years, all good things must come to an end. Instead of simply watching Pierce also possibly fade off into the sunset and into retirement, Boston needs to trade him and at least receive something in exchange for a player who could be enough to help a different team reach the pinnacle in the NBA next season.

Unlike Garnett, Pierce does not possess a no-trade clause in his contract. That means that as much as most fans may be against the move, it is simply time for the Celtics to trade the player who has meant as much to them as a franchise since Larry Bird.

 

 

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About the author

Rob Kelley

Rob Kelley is a sports reporter for various newspapers in Florida, and is trying to break back into the sports writing game after a brief hiatus following the publishing of his first book, I'm Not a Quitter. He recently resigned as Editor-in-Chief and lead writer for The South Shore Magazine to pursue better opportunities. You can follow him on Twitter @RobKelley24.