Marvin Gentry-USA Today Sports
With the NBA Draft nearing, the Boston Celtics are facing a number of decisions, mainly whether or not to make a play at the contract of veteran star Paul Pierce.
Pierce has a buyout option, so the team must decide whether or not they want to keep him by the Jun. 30 deadline. Pierce is the subject of numerous trade rumors and if Boston can make a move this week, they may have a back-up plan that could follow. According to a report from Sporting News, the Celtics already have a sign and trade offer ready for free agent forward and former Atlanta Hawks star, Josh Smith.
Smith, who has been linked to the Celtics in the past, most recently this past February near the trade deadline, is apparently the team’s top priority this off-season. In turn, there’s an established connection between Smith and current Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo. The two played together at Oak Hill Academy (VA) during their days at the high school level.
Rondo, who very well could become the focal point of the future of this Boston organization, would surely love to have his old high school teammate on the court with him in Beantown.
While this remains speculation at this point, it’s certainly a domino effect that the Celtics could be pursuing and it may all hinge on their ability to move Pierce prior to Jun. 30.
Buckle up, Boston fans.
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
