NBA Rumors: Danny Ainge Was Foolish Not to Blow Up Boston Celtics' Big 3

Boston Celtics' fans may be enjoying this run, and the Atlantic Division title. But the fact is, Danny Ainge should have broken up the Boston Three Party.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported this about the Celtics' failed deadline deals:

"

For 20 minutes or so, Allen had to process the information. They traded me to Memphis? And yet, as the disappointment dissolved to anger, Rivers returned with a messenger's nightmare: Never mind. The deal fell apart. Take a deep breath and let's go back to work again.

Ray Allen was nearly traded to the Grizzlies for O.J. Mayo. (Getty Images)
Before the Big Three could make it past the trade deadline, Allen-to-the-Grizzlies had to fall apart and discussions on a deal that would have sent Paul Pierce to the New Jersey Nets for an expiring Mehmet Okur contract and a lottery pick never reached completion, league sources said.

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge loves the talent in the 2012 NBA draft, but he still gets one more run, one more chance with this group in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

"

Ainge should have made sure each deal, or some deal for all three Celtics greats, was completed. Now, as the Celtics embark on what will be a fruitless run at a second title in five years, I can't help but look ahead.

In 2013, the Celtics are almost guaranteed to be worse off than they were this season. Obviously, they won the division, so it isn't as if they are a destitute franchise. But, this organization is measured by championships and Finals appearances.

By not moving any part, or the entire Big Three, they are further away from returning to glory.

Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett will both be free agents. They could return at a discounted rate, but they'll be 37 and 36 years old, respectively.

If they can't get it done this year, what would change for the 2012-13 season?

An even bigger trade that could have been made is the one that would have landed Pierce in New Jersey.

It would have been nice for the C's to get something in return for all three members of the Boston Three Party. But acquiring assets in exchange for the only member of the nucleus under contract after this season would have been huge.

I am beginning to believe Danny Ainge doesn't really have a sound plan for transitioning out of this era and into the next one.

That should worry Celtics fans.

Indecision like that leads to long periods of mediocrity and consecutive years in the lottery.

Now, it almost behooves the C's to bring them all back next year. Ainge can only hope they don't breakdown physically, and when things go sour, hopefully they still have value.

What happens next year if you bring Ray Allen and KG back, and both of them spend significant time injured?

Their value will decrease substantially, and the team will get nothing for them.

It's water under the bridge now, but Celtics fans will root for a surprising finish to this year's playoffs, and great health for their seniors next season.

Ainge asked for too much in return for his aging stars, and now the team will suffer.

Follow Brian Mazique

and Franchiseplay - A Haven For Sports Expression

Follow @franchiseplay