Boston Celtics: 5 Reasons the Celtics Shouldn't Break Up the Big 3 in 2012

After starting the season off 14-10, the Boston Celtics have been the subject of numerous trade rumors this season. Such rumors have particularly involved the Celtics' Big Three of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.

Despite the bad start, it is too early to give up on this trio just yet.

Here are the five best reasons why the Celtics should keep the party together.

Loyalty

For franchises as storied as that of the Boston Celtics, loyalty means something.

Paul Pierce just passed Larry Bird as No. 2 on the Celtics' all-time scoring list. Pierce has been the franchise player for this squad for a decade and has stayed with it even through some of the worst seasons in Celtics history.

Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are the guys who were the building blocks toward the revitalization of the franchise and the team's 2008 championship.

These three have done much for Boston, and the franchise should return the favor.

They Can Still Play

Despite what you'll hear from most pundits, the Celtics' Big Three can still play.

Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are both shooting over 50 percent from the field this season, while Paul Pierce is averaging over 18 points per game.

Each of their player efficiency ratings is over 16, and, with Rajon Rondo, make one of the most balanced starting fives in the NBA.

These guys still have something to bring to the table.

Their Trade Value Has Passed Its Peak

First of all, I'm not contradicting the point I just made. The Big Three have value to their own team, but each of their individual trade values are past their peak.

Pierce is the youngest of the three at age 34, so none of these guys are remotely close to their "prime" ages. On other teams individually, each would just become another role player.

Together, they still make one of the best squads in the NBA. That's why the Celtics would be best served by keeping them together.

Their Team Is Poorly Built

On this team, you have the Big Three, Rajon Rondo, Brandon Bass and Mickael Pietrus that are actually of any value. After that, it's slim pickings.

This team has no true center and a very lackluster bench. Jermaine O'Neal does his best at center, but he's far enough beyond his prime to be of no real use. Kendrick Perkins (pictured with O'Neal) was that center for them, and they never should have traded him.

Jeff Green was lost for the season with a heart condition, and though his presence would help the bench situation, it wouldn't be enough to save it.

This is a team with aging stars and very little young talent. The blame for that is solely on management. None of it goes to the Big Three.

This Team Is Close

This team is still very close to being the dominant team it was. If management can add a couple of pieces while keeping the Big Three intact, the Celtics can return to their old ways.

The veteran core of this squad is the best in the NBA. Some may say that you have to break it up to get talented pieces, but there are other ways of going about it.

They should look to free agency and small trades to bolster this squad heading into the postseason. After that, they should look to making solid draft choices that can make an immediate impact.

Doing that will keep the veteran core together while also improving the team.