Is Ainge done shaping the Celtics or is there more to come?

How does this sound: the Celtics trade Theo Ratliff, Gerald Green, next year’s first round pick for Pau Gasol. Some experts have said it would be good for both teams, others have said it will never happen. Gerald Green helped the Celtics significantly by adding major value to showcasing his athleticism in last years Slam Dunk Contest, walking away the winner. A lot of people think if he was one a speedy younger team he would be better suited and could improve his game very quickly, and I’m one of those supporters. The kid has a lot of talent, but at this stage of the game, I just don’t see him getting the minutes he needs to be able to blossom.

Getting rid of Ratliff is a no-brainer – he has barely played for the Celtics, is sucking up the role of “Most Likely to take the Most from the Celtics and Give Nothing Back” (formerly filled by guys like Vin Baker and Mark Blount, just to name a couple…because if I name any more I’ll start to see a pattern with the C’s I really don’t want to admit seeing…). The dollars would match up pretty well too, and first round picks aren’t always guaranteed. The Celtics were in a prime spot to get something great this draft, and they landed in the worst spot they could have landed. Memphis did too, but when was the last time that happened?

I think it would be a great trade, but I’m not sold that it will happen. The kind of deal that will go down will be something out of the blue that no one is talking about. That is usually how it goes down, so why would I expect anything else?