It is official. Danny Ainge wanted to keep the team in tact for one more run (at least) and he has achieved that goal.
First, it was getting Doc Rivers to re-commit. He did that with an increase in pay and some extra leeway for Doc to spend time with his family this up coming season, though that part has not been clearly spelled out.
Then Paul Pierce opted out and re-signed for 4 years for $61 million with the goal of giving the Celtics some financial relief in tracking down additional players. He will make about $6 million less this season. It doesn’t put the Cs under the cap or anything but helps reduce the luxury tax if they get another player and for multiple years.
The player that had me scared was Ray Allen. His contract was up and it was reported that he was looking into other options.
It turns out that he did want to stay a Celtic, as he had been saying all along. Reports say he will get a $20 million, 2 year contract that allows him to opt out after next season. At $10 million a year, that seems very fair to both parties.
With Rondo’s raise kicking in this season, the Big Four are all well paid. They will take up approximately $54 million of salary this season.
A Few Bullets in the Holster
1) The Celtics also have the trusty mid level exception (MLE) of around $5.7 million to offer ‘in toto’, or in portions, to other free agents.
Jermaine O’Neal is the latest rumored big man said to be contemplating coming to the Celtics. He is rumored to have been offered a portion of the MLE.
2) They also have Rasheed Wallace’s expiring contract ($6.3 mil) to use in a sign-and-trade for another quality player.
Leandrinho Barbosa, Rudy Fernandez, and Anthony Morrow have all been mentioned as possible targets.
It is good to see the troika back together for one more run and with Rivers at the helm.
Doc’s choice to replace the departed coach, Tom Thibodeau, will be important as well.
Former Nets coach, Lawrence Frank is in the running for the position among others, Doc has said.
So the old cowboys will saddle up one more time (at least), after a Finals’ game 7, four point loss to the Lakers.
I’ll add a few thoughts going forward, when I can get a chance.
