A Ray Allen Trade That Makes Sense

Prior to the 2009-2010 NBA season, I heard rumors of Ray Allen being traded during the season. At the time I thought that this trade would never make sense for the Cetlics. I mean, how could you break up the big 3? However, 46 games into the Celtics schedule, the team looks like it could use a facelift. The Celtic Green has lost games recently to contenders, with an inability to finish games. Three goals for the Celtics right now, 1) to get younger, 2) to get cheaper, 3) to win games. One solution to fulfill all three of these goals? Trade Ray Allen.

Why trade Ray Allen?

Why Ray Allen?

1. Contract:
Right now, teams are thirsty for expiring contracts. Ray Allen is in the final season of his current contract and will make a little less than 19 million dollars. With a big free agent class this offseason, teams would love to unload bad contracts.

2. Statistics: Fun Facts
Three Point Percentage: Ray Allen's three point percentage, 34.1%, is lower than its ever been in his career. Before this season, his percentage from behind the arc was 35.6, in the 98-99 season. His career average is 39.6%.

Free Throws: Last season, he missed 22 foul shots. This season, he already missed 16 foul shots. His free throw percentage dropped from 95.2 to 89.

3. The team that Boston trades Allen to could buy Ray Allen out, and the Celtics could sign him for cheap.

Still not convinced? Let's look at what the Celtics can get in return.

The Teams Involved

There have been a few teams that could make sense for destinations Ray Allen could be sent to. Two of these teams make sense in a 3 way deal involving the Celtics. The two teams are the Chicago Bulls and the Sacramento Kings. Both of these teams are looking to unload cap space for the offseason, and the Kings have been interested in adding a big man. Let's see what each team could get in this 3 way trade.

Celtics

The Celtics would receive guard Kevin Martin and forward Andres Nocioni. This deal allows them to kill two birds with one stone. They receive a young guard that is a true scorer in Martin, and a quality bench player in Nocioni. Scoring has been a weakness of the Celtics as of late (don't get me started on the third quarter of the Magic game). Martin would be an obvious improvement over Allen and could be the starter at the 2 spot for the next few years.

Bulls

The Bulls are looking towards the immediate future. They won't be much of a factor in the playoffs this year so why not get ready for next year.

The Bulls would receive Ray Allen. The significance of this acquisition isn't Allen's talent but his contract. With 20 million dollars coming off the books in his expiring contract, the Bulls could have spending money this offseason (Dwyane Wade..).

Kings

Although the standings don't show this, the Kings are in a pretty position. They have a great young core with Tyreke Evans, Omri Casspi, Spencer Hawes and Jason Thompson.

Kings receive Tyrus Thomas, Kirk Hinrich and Chris Richard. Thomas is a young big that could come off the bench and grab boards and block shots. He's a hustle player that could help the bench. Hinrich could help complement Evans. I think that Martin and Evans is a bad combo but with Martin gone, Evans can shine, with Hinrich serving as a backup when Evans is resting. Richard is simply thrown in the trade to make the salaries work.

Why does this trade work?

-Kevin Martin limits Evans ability and the Kings play better without him. However he would be the scorer the Celtics need for now and the next few years.
-Andres Nocioni has a terrible contract with the Kings and doesn't fit in their game plan for the future. However he would be an asset off the Celtics bench.
-Ray Allen is depended on too much in Boston and can't contribute to the level they need him to. However, his expiring contract allows the Bulls to sign a great player this offseason.
-Tyrus Thomas is a big that could benefit the Kings. However, the Bulls management aren't fans of Ty Thomas.
-Kirk Hinrich is a great backup and would distribute the ball when Evans isn't on the court. However, he is overpaid and not necessary to the Bulls.

This trade would benefit all three teams. Is the era of the big three over? A big change is needed in Boston. This is one solution that would help our goals of a championship now, and championships in the future.