Danny is working the phones...

[mike]

We know Danny Ainge is working the phones - with the Celtics at 4-4, and with the wins coming against tomato cans like the Wizards, Pistons and Nets, Mr. Ainge can't be happy with where things stand at the moment. Maybe he's comfortable with Mickael Pietrus coming onboard and Doc Rivers tweaking the rotation with what he currently has to work with. Maybe he doesn't want to tear things up in this lockout-shortened season, when it may be better to let the existing roster come together and be the best that it can be.

Maybe.

One thing I do know, is that Aine is a dealer. He likes to talk trade. My guess is that he'll look to shake things up if at all possible, while trying to keep the buzz down as much as he can. He'd definitely like another big if one could be had for the right price.

Anyone out there have any ideas who might be trade bait, and who might be someone Ainge would want to bring in?????

[nighthob]

I could see Ainge revisiting the Indiana trade talks once Johnson & Moore become eligible to be traded. Given the presence of Hibbert on the Pacers' roster and their continuing enquiries after Cousins, it would seem that they view Hibbert as trade bait. New Jersey is another team I see as being highly likely once the trade deadline nears and they're risking losing WIlliams outright. I just can't help think that Billy King will blink and make a trade. Sacramento is another team to keep an eye on. The Maloofs are looking to sell and they may want to unload some of their headaches before then.

[CaptChris]

Before any trade -- has to be a Reality Check! A realistic look, without sentiment, at the ball club.

Is there anyone who thinks that KG was worth $21.2 million? Or PP is worth his contract this yer and next? That Geritol is going t revive the aging? Dream on!

If you trade -- do it to improve the TEAM'S chances down the road.

[nighthob]

They can't really trade Garnett without making themselves Siberia (in terms of player recruitment) unless it's with his cooperation. The only teams that would have any interest in him are contenders that need a guy to come off the bench and play the 4/5, and they usually have nothing to trade except Jermaine O'Neal type players/contracts. So that's a non-starter. Mostly because it doesn't bring anything back. Similarly with Pierce. About the best you can possibly expect for him is cruft and low draft picks from a contender. Right now their only trade assets are Rondo and their own future firsts as the bottom's dropping out.

[CaptChris]

Ray would be a great pick-up for a number of contending teams. Expiring contract and best "3" Pt. shooter in the league. He could bring back several players who might help the club in the future.