I'm Hearing Leprechaun Whispers

Paul Pierce may be on his way out, again!

So let's face it. It has got to happen at some point, I guess. In reality, If I was Paul Pierce, I would want to stay because of all the young talent on the team. But I have no idea what any of these people are thinking so I'll just post what I know.

Isn't this time of the season fun? Not only is the Finals when the NBA gets to choose their champion, but it's also a time of year when the speculation of trades runs rampant and draft hopefuls can watch their stock rise and fall on a daily basis. Portland and Boston have been rumored to be talking about a potential Paul Pierce trade for awhile now, but it was thought Portland didn't have enough of what the Celtics wanted to get a deal done.

Well, if you listen to today's rumors you'll find that maybe Portland has exactly what the Celtics want. Various media reports today said Portland and Boston are discussing a trade of Portland's #3 pick and the voidable contract of Nick Van Exel for Pierce and Boston's #18 pick.
Blazer fans would probably like to take take the sure thing in Paul Pierce.

Some have also questioned Pierce's abilities as a leader - well, the truth is The Truth doesn't want to be the vocal leader. He's tried, as he did when Antoine Walker left, and while he gamely made his attempt it wasn't him. But don't the Blazers need a leader? Yes, they do, but I think in 2005-06 you are going to see Sebastian Telfair take control of that leader role without needing too much help. Pierce can be the second voice, the affirmations of the leader who is leading naturally by choice, but he doesn't have to be on top. That will also allow him to relax and concentrate more on his game. In Boston he still feels like everyone is leaning on Paul Pierce to make things happen. In Portland he could become one of the guys. Which has got to be tough to swallow for Pierce. Who likes to say, "I can't do it on my own."

The safe guess is that the Celtics will go for Gerald Green with the number three pick. Which is as good a chance of getting him as there is. Ohhhhhhh, I'm sweating thinking about this. His name will say Green on the back of a green Celtics jersey. Isn't that cool? (yes I know I'm a dork) Plus there is talk that the C's will go after some free agents with the 10$ million freed up from the trade. I heard some talk of maybe getting Stromile Swift too. I'm about to collapse.

So what are the chances of this deal going down? Well, Celtics' trader Danny Ainge has said he has no plans to trade Pierce, but every time he says it I start to think it's more and more smoke and mirrors. Portland hasn't commented on this rumor, but why should they? People know that #3 pick can be had and Nick Van Exel is being dangled everywhere, so they don't need to say a word.

Would Boston give Pierce away for so little - is Tony Allen that good?
If I'm John Nash and this deal got thrown on the table I'd agree to it before the Celtics had time to re-think it. Probability of this happening? Same as with most rumors - I'd say no better than a one in three chance, if that.

Majority of this written By Jason Flemingfor HOOPSWORLD.comJun 8, 2005, 17:53