The first process in the Boston Celtics rebuilding phase will happen this week when the team decides what to do with Paul Pierce. They will either trade him away for draft picks or they will consider buying out his $15 million salary for $5 million and let him walk. The Celtics are on a June 30 deadline to make a decision about Pierce so that they then figure out what their next move is. If another team takes Pierce off their hands, Josh Smith will likely be the first team to join the new-look Celtics.
The entire rebuilding phase is somewhat hinging on Pierce's future. The Celtics at this time do not have an abundance of salary cap space, so they first must wait for a team to bite on Pierce and take that off their books. Once Pierce is gone, Sporting News reports that Smith will be the first player acquired in a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks have been looking to get rid of Smith and his history with the Celtics makes it a good landing spot.
Smith joined the Celtics in Los Angeles last summer for pre-season workouts because he was friends with Rajon Rondo. Smith leaves much to be desired as a player. He shows signs of greatness but has yet to help lead a team to any real success. However, Smith could thrive if paired with a point guard like Rondo. Smith, Rondo, Avery Bradley and Jeff Green could make a great combination with the Celtics. With the unknown status of Kevin Garnett, that would be the likely group along with someone like Jared Sullinger.
Smith has eight quality years in the league. His basketball IQ is low, but his talent is high. At 27, he fits into the Celtics' plan of adding younger players. Last season with the Hawks, he averaged 17.5 points per game along with 8.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists on 35 minutes.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Milwaukee Bucks appear to be ready to help the Celtics make all of their offseason plans run smoothly. The Celtics have put a first-round draft pick price tag on Pierce and both teams seem likely to accept the offer. Cleveland has two first-round picks and seem content with parting with at least one.
All Boston Celtics rumors must be taken lightly. Nothing is set in stone and there is no guarantee that Pierce will end up being traded, but Danny Ainge is certainly entertaining plenty of offers and keeping all options open.