Danny Ainge is Ready to Blow Up the Celtics and Trade His Veterans

" “First of all, it’s a different era,’’ said Ainge. “I sat with Red [Auerbach] during a Christmas party [20 years ago]. Red was talking to Larry, Kevin, and myself, and there was a lot of trade discussion at the time, and Red actually shared some of the trade discussions. And I told Red, ‘What are you doing? Why are you waiting?’ "

" “He had a chance to trade Larry [to Indiana] for Chuck Person and Herb Williams and [Steve] Stipanovich, and he had a chance to trade Kevin [to Dallas] for Detlef Schrempf and Sam Perkins. I was, like, ‘Are you kidding?’ "

" “I mean, I feel that way now. If I were presented with those kinds of deals for our aging veterans, it’s a done deal, to continue the success.” So, which contender that shoots 3-pointers poorly wants Ray Allen and his $10 million expiring contract? The Lakers are dead last in the NBA in 3-point shooting at 25 percent. Hey Atlanta, with Al Horford out for the year, do you want to rent KG’s expiring contract to help defending in post? The Pacers could be a factor in the East in May/June, but they’re shooting just 41% from the field, by far lowest of any team with nine or more wins. Pierce might be the most difficult to deal, though – he’s slated to make $16 million next year, and $15 million the following year. [Globe] "