Celtics Trade Rumors: Boston Crazy to Think Kevin Garnett Can Net Josh Smith

As they sit in seventh place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 17-17, there is no question that the Boston Celtics need a shakeup. Perhaps that starts with dealing off members of "The Big Three," but general manager Danny Ainge is insane if he thinks he can get marquee players in return.

According to Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News, Boston is willing to trade away any of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. He specifically mentioned a rumor that involves the Celtics sending KG to the Atlanta Hawks in return for All-Star-caliber forward Josh Smith.

It is beyond laughable to think that the Hawks would even consider such an offer. Perhaps the Celtics would be sending over additional players in the deal, but they don't have much Atlanta would want, plus the salaries are lopsided in the deal as it is.

Smith only has one year remaining on his contract after this season, but he is a 26-year-old player who averages 16 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks per game. In his heyday, Garnett was that type of player as well, but he is now 35 years old and will become an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of this season.

Garnett is still productive and has arguably been the C's best player this season with averages of 15 points, eight rebounds and a block per contest, but the Hawks have no incentive to give up Smith for him. Smith is younger, better and signed for a year longer than KG, so unless Hawks general manager Rick Sund owes Ainge a huge favor, there's no chance that this happens.

With that said, shopping the likes of Garnett, Pierce and Allen is a good move, especially with Garnett and Allen on the final year of their respective deals. Ainge can likely get a solid return for any of the three players, but he needs to aim a bit lower and have more realistic expectations.

Boston's best bet is to identify teams on the brink of contention that might feel as though a veteran like Garnett, Pierce or Allen can put them over the top. If the Celtics can do that, then they should be able to stockpile some young players and picks in an effort to rebuild what is a crumbling team.

The Hawks may be one player away from contention, but dealing Smith for Garnett would be a lateral move at best and a drastic drop off at worst for Atlanta. It has to be tough for Ainge to come to grips with the fact that the core that he assembled and won a championship with is coming to the end of the line, but he needs to face facts.

Garnett, Pierce and Allen all still have value, but not enough to land players Smith. If Ainge is willing to deal one or all of those players for fair value, then he will get some nice chips in return. They won't be blue chips, but they'll be something to work with nonetheless.

General managers overvaluing their players is something that happens in every sport, and that is precisely what is happening with Ainge. Garnett may have a couple years left in him and he could help a team win a title, but his trade value simply isn't what it used to be.