The Boston Celtics are kicking off their rebuilding process with a potential trade of one of their cornerstone pieces. After trading away head coach Doc Rivers, the Celtics are likely to part ways with several of their key players that have been the core to the team for many years. As a Kevin Garnett trade or retirement announcement looms, Paul Pierce is first up on the blocks.
ESPN's Marc Stein reports that if the Celtics are going to orchestrate a trade for Pierce involving the upcoming NBA Draft, they will demand a first round pick in return for the veteran. The Celtics are expected to pick up Pierce's $15 million in salary due in the upcoming season, but they will likely trade him. Boston has discussed trade packages with teams including the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Milwaukee Bucks. If Pierce leaves, Stein says it will be to one of those two teams by the end of the week.
The Cavaliers make the most sense for Pierce. Owner Dan Gilbert wants to make the postseason and is not sold on another rookie getting them to that point. Cleveland has two first round picks, including the No. 1 overall pick and the No. 19 pick that could be tempting for Boston. Cleveland probably will not give away the No. 1 pick, but the No. 19 pick is expendable. Placing Pierce alongside budding super star Kyrie Irving could prove productive for Cleveland.
The News-Herald reported that Cleveland presented an original package of two first-round picks in exchange for Pierce, but that is not enough for Boston. That offer is an extreme lowball for a player with a resume like Pierce's. While getting two second-round picks for Pierce is better than nothing at all, Boston will not back down from their demand of a first-round pick. The Bucks have the No. 15 pick which also appears favorable to the Celtics.
Pierce is just the first hurdle in the rebuilding phase. The next will be what to do with Garnett and also the coaching search to replace Rivers. Boston failed in their first attempt to trade Garnett, but they intend on continuing to try. They are looking to get younger with their head coach. Reports say the Celtics are going to look for a younger, lower-profile coach, including assistant Jay Larranaga.
It is hard to picture Pierce in another uniform come the 2013 season, but the Celtics are content with letting that happen. The best chance for Boston to get something in return for the veteran will be with the draft so Pierce could be gone by Thursday.
