Paul Pierce On The Move?

While I was reading through Bruce Allen's "Boston Sports Media Watch" this morning, I stumbled across an interesting note on the Celtics. According to Jeff on CelticsBlog.com, the Celtics are supposedly in negotiations with the Portland Trail Blazers regarding Paul Pierce. According to Jeff, the Celtics would trade Pierce and the No. 18 pick in the upcoming draft for Nick Van Exel and the No. 3 pick (Van Exel would then be waived for salary cap purposes). Although there is probably a better chance of Bill Belichick releasing a rap album than there is of this particular trade happening, it is intriguing to speculate on it. I have said it before, trading Pierce is an avenue that I believe the Celtics should explore. At least in this proposed deal the Celtics would be getting something of value in return for their top scorer. With the No. 3 pick, the Celtics would most likely be able to select one of the two top pure point guards in this draft, Wake Forest's Chris Paul or Deron Williams of Illinois. And with the savings from waiving Van Exel, the Celtics would be able to sign a shooter -- Jeff shoots for the moon by mentioning Ray Allen or Michael Redd as possible Pierce replacements on the wing for the C's, I would be happy with getting Kyle Korver away from the 76ers. Whatever happens, count on this being the first of many NBA trade rumors you will hear from now until the day of the draft on June 28.