The Celtics' Trade and Draft Options

The last five years the Celtics have drafted for longevity.

They should do so again, but trade up and grab the second overall pick in this year's NBA Draft.

The days of M.L. Carr's tomfoolery approach to being a "yes" man are gone. Now under new management, the Celtics purged themselves and started with a blank slate. After the house cleaning, Paul Pierce was the only player left standing.

Pierce was considered a second-tier talent on a horrible team, yet he never publicly complained like his West Coast counterpart. The team rewarded his patience by surrounding him with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, as well as some shrewd draft day decisions.

The Celtics built the next link to the Celtic dynasty on Paul's broad shoulders, and he delivered.

The patient Celtics re-branded themselves into must-see television once again. They won a championship, and played one of the best series ever against the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2009 NBA Playoffs.

Pierce, Garnett, and Allen have a maximum of three years of playoff level basketball left to play. It is up to Ainge to work his magic and reorganize his view of what the "big three" are comprised of.

Rajon Rondo is the heir apparent, and may be the only sure thing beyond the projected three-year window for the PGA Tour.

Perkins is a serviceable center and has improved his skill level every season. He will not command big money on the open market, but he has trade value because of his championship experience. 

Rumor has it that the Celtics are having discussions with the Memphis Grizzlies about the second pick in the draft.

Kendrick Perkins' rights were originally owned by Memphis.

Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo are the players the Grizzlies want to build around, and their GM Chris Wallace has Celtic ties. 

Memphis does not want to be in a perpetual cycle of rebuilding, and they need veteran experience that will help the kids grow. 

Danny has taken draft picks and turned them into players other teams covet. Perkins and Glen Davis fit that bill. The Celtics can do a sign-and-trade with Memphis and include Perkins in the deal. Perkins may be included to complete the trade because of his shoulder issues. 

Memphis will have two young big men who have run the gauntlet of the playoffs to a championship. With the trade, they could compete with a starting five of Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, O.J. Mayo, Davis, and Perkins.

The Celtics could select Thabeet with the second pick, who is limited offensively, but has the defensive tenacity they need in a center. He could thrive under the tutelage of Garnett.

They could also make a minor trade with Portland. Boston can put together a package of J.R. Giddens and Gabe Pruitt, and in return possibly get Channing Frye.

Frye is a legitimate 6'10'' guy who can make the 15 foot jump shot. Pruitt gives Portland another big guard who can score and run the team. Giddens will also provide Portland with a legitimate 6'8" scorer.

The Celtics can re-sign Marbury, and fans will be hearing more from Bill Walker on the parquet next year. They will have a backup point in Marbury who can create his own shot as well as setup his teammates.

If Boston makes these trades it keeps four players who were the core of their championship team together, and gives them a shot for the future as well.