Good Ole Boys (Celtic Style)

Finally... Something to talk about in the NBA besides little Timmy.

Thank you Kevin McHale and Danny Ainge. Actually, they are probably thanking each other right now. This trade is going to save both of their jobs. This trade works out because there are two types of teams in the NBA... Team who want to win now, and teams building for the future. These are two different teams.

Celtics Get:
Kevin Garnett



Wolves Get:
Telfair, Green, Jefferson, Ratliff

We'll start off with the Celtics...
SHORT TERM - Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, KG teamed up with Brandon Markey and Justin Amoah could make the playoffs. So Allen/Pierce/KG with a supporting cast consisting of Rajon Rando, Allen Ray, Gabe Pruitt, Tony Allen, Ryan Gomes, Glen Davis, Leon Powe, Brain Scalabrine, Kedrick Perkins and Michael Olowokandi... they will be the best team in the Eastern Conference.

LONG TERM - It really doesn't matter if they get a ring out of Allen/Pierce/KG. But they'll have to start over when they are officially over the hill. But you never know what free agents they will be able to attract. In today's game, everyone wants a chance to win it all.

Now the Timberwolves...
SHORT TERM - Young STARS Randy Foye, Corey Brewer, Gerald Green and Al Jefferson on the same team has to get people excited about the FUTURE. Ricky Davis and Rashad McCants can be moved to help acquire a center and they can draft a point in next year's draft. Theo Ratliff can either to add some veteran leadership or he can be let go to free up some cap room for a more desirable player (it should be easier to get a player to go to Minnesota if they think they can win). They are still a few years away from contending in the Western Conference but they are building the pieces.

LONG TERM - With the four young stars entering their prime and the asset(s) acquired by moving Ricky Davis, Rashad McCants and Theo Ratcliff, the Timberwolves will be favorites in the Western Conference. Tim Dunan won't be in the picture. Steve Nash won't be in the picture. Allen Iverson can't help Carmelo anymore. But other teams will be peaking. I think the Blazers are doing all the right things for their future too. Couldn't you see a Wolves/Blazers Western Conference Championship?

Like I said earlier, there are teams who want to win now, and teams who are building for the future. Even though McHale and Ainge go back and have a mutual respect for each other, this trade would actually help both teams achieve what they are trying to (Boston win now, Minnesota win in the future). Teams know it's hard to be the San Antonio Spurs. They have been great for 7+ years now. GMs in the NBA know each team has a window, a window that usually is open for 3-5 years, especially with free agency. Boston is trying to make that window appear now, Minnesota in the future. It's better than being mediocre forever. So I'm sorry for the title of this post, this trade isn't because of the team values Red instilled in his Celtics. Both McHale and Ainge are avoiding getting fired and if this trade goes down, both teams will be one step closer to achieving their goals.

I'll end by giving Boston and Minnesota fans a message:

Boston - Don't worry about giving too much up for KG. He will lead you to the Eastern Conference finals and give you a chance to win it all. A chance you would otherwise not have.

Minnesota - Don't worry about giving up the man who has been you franchise for over a decade. You haven't made the finals with him and you weren't close to making it with him and the cast supporting him right now. Time to go back to the drawing board. Use the young stars the Celtics are giving away for their chance to win. Think longterm. Think 2013 Western Conference Championship against the Blazers. Randy Foye will take you there.