Celtics Trade Idea

In signing free agent Rasheed Wallace, the Celtics have had a very good offseason. Wallace gives the Celtics a 6-11 forward/center who can shoot, rebound, and defend for their bench. The offseason could become great if they find a quality backup at small forward for Paul Pierce. Grant Hill was courted but he turned down a chance at a championship in Boston for some extra dollars in Phoenix. There are some veterans available who could come to Boston for short money - Matt Barnes, Jerry Stackhouse, and Marquis Daniels have been mentioned - but the best option might be a trade. The name on the trade market that makes the most sense for the Celtics is Sacramento's Andres Nocioni. Nocioni would give the Celtics a solid defender and scorer at small forward for their bench. His presence would keep Doc Rivers from having to force second-year players Bill Walker and J.R. Giddens into a role they may not be ready for on a championship contender and it would also allow Rivers to give Pierce more rest in the regular season. Nocioni is a luxury item for the lowly Kings and the Celtics could send almost $6-million in expiring contracts to Sacramento in the form of Brian Scalabrine and Tony Allen. That trade would give the Celtics the deepest roster in the NBA. 5: Kendrick Perkins, Rasheed Wallace 4: Kevin Garnett, Wallace 3: Paul Pierce, Andres Nocioni, Bill Walker 2: Ray Allen, Eddie House, J.R. Giddens 1: Rajon Rondo, Gabe Pruitt Under this scenario, the Celtics would still need some depth for their front court and a better option at backup point guard but it still would make them the prohibitive favorite to win the 2010 NBA championship.