NBA Rumors: Why Trading Paul Pierce Is a Terrible Move for the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics didn't make any trades at last month's NBA trade deadline.

But according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, the team was associated with two deals that eventually fell through.

One deal would've had the Celtics sending Ray Allen to the Memphis Grizzlies for O.J. Mayo, and the other had Paul Pierce headed to the New Jersey Nets for Mehmet Okur's expiring contract and a 2012 first-round pick.  

The Allen-Mayo swap might not have been too horrendous for Boston; however, the Pierce-to-Jersey trade would've been.

Sure, Okur's contract would've helped the Celtics clear cap space, and the 2012 draft is expected to be immensely deep. However, what are the odds that the team would draft a player who eventually turns out to be as good or better than Pierce?

Pierce has been the heart and soul of the Celtics for the past 12 years or so. With that said, the team would make a huge mistake by trading him to New Jersey or, well, anywhere.

Pierce was selected by Boston with the 10th overall pick in the 1998 NBA draft, following an outstanding junior season at the University of Kansas.

Nicknamed "The Truth," the Los Angeles native would go on to have an amazing career at the next level as well, becoming a 10-time All-Star and being selected to four All-NBA teams.

In 2002, Pierce led the Celtics to their first playoff appearance in seven years, as the team made it all the way to the Eastern Conference finals.

Then, in 2008, he teamed with fellow stars Kevin Garnett and Allen to lead the Celtics to a title, knocking off the Los Angeles Lakers 4-2 in the NBA Finals.

It was the 17th title in Celtics history and their first since 1986, back when Hall of Famers Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish were playing ball in New England.

Pierce was named Finals MVP after averaging 21.8 points, 6.3 assists and 4.5 rebounds for the series.

He put together a rather gutsy performance in Game 1 of the Finals. Midway through the third quarter, he injured his knee and was wheeled into the locker room. However, he returned to the hardwood just moments later and scored 15 third-quarter points en route to a Celtics victory.  

Pierce would lead the Celtics back to the NBA Finals in 2010, although the team fell to the Lakers this time around. 

Pierce has accomplished quite a bit in his 14-year Celtics career. He is currently the franchise's all-time leader in three-pointers, and earlier this season, he passed Bird for second place on the team's all time scoring list.  

A leader, winner, excellent clutch performer and solid defender, Pierce's contributions are immeasurable.

Celtics GM Danny Ainge has made several brilliant moves over the years, like trading for Garnett, Allen, Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins. However, Ainge should absolutely avoid any deals which involve the name Paul Pierce.

Pierce is clearly a Celtics legend and he deserves to finish his career in Boston.