13/12/13
Celtics bring Perkins back as Raptors look to next season's free agency
The Celtics welcomed back an old friend today by acquiring former championship center Kendrick Perkins in a 6-player trade with Toronto.
Boston also received Jason Maxiell and James Johnson in the deal. The Raptors get Samuel Dalembert, Troy Murphy and Toby Lynch in return.
Since the 'big 3' of Garnett, Pierce and Allen are all no longer in Boston, Rajon Rondo had been left carrying the Celtics on his shoulders.
Now with this deal they'll hope that Perkins and Rondo can combine and rediscover their 2008 title form so they can enjoy a deep playoff run.
Aside from trying to make the team better, this deal was also done to help convince Rondo to re-sign with the Celtics at the end of the season.
Perhaps general manager Danny Ainge figured that bringing back Rondo's best friend would increase the chances of him remaining in Boston.
Currently the Celtics are sitting in 12th spot in the eastern conference with an 11-15 record, but they are only 3 games behind the Pistons in 8th.
Toronto did this deal to become the biggest player in the season end free agency period. They will have a huge amount of money to spend.
Stars like Kevin Durant, Amare Stoudemire, Derrick Rose, LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy are just a few who could be available next year.
Now the Raptors only have about $10m in guaranteed contracts next season. They could completely change the fortunes of their franchise.
Of course they do have the likes of Rodney Stuckey, Evan Turner, Amir Johnson, Ed Davis and Jerryd Bayless expiring at the end of the season too.
It will remain to be seen if they decide to stick with their current young core next season or throw everything at a couple of superstar players.
The potential free agent class is deep with Andrew Bynum, John Wall, Joakim Noah, Rudy Gay, Paul George, Serge Ibaka and Rajon Rondo.
Veterans Dalembert and Murphy may be bought out at some point, unless the Raptors coaching staff feel they can help out with a playoff run.
The Raptors are in 6th spot in the east with a 14-11 record. If they hope to challenge in the playoffs they will have to rely on their young guns.
Boston receive
Kendrick Perkins - 29 - C - $35.94m - 3 years (82)
Jason Maxiell - 30 - PF - $28.77m - 3 years (75)
James Johnson - 26 - SF - $18.56m - 4 years (72)
Projected line-up:
Kendrick Perkins - Othello Hunter - Terrence Williams - Von Wafer - Rajon Rondo
Bench options:
Brandan Wright, Jason Maxiell, Kirk Hinrich, James Johnson, Avery Bradley, Jamario Moon
Toronto receive
Samuel Dalembert - 32 - C - $15.19m - 1 year (77)
Troy Murphy - 33 - PF - $15.65m - 1 year (71)
Toby Lynch - 21 - SG - $1.94m - 2 years (65)
Projected line-up:
Ed Davis - Amir Johnson - Corey Brewer - Evan Turner - Rodney Stuckey
Bench options:
Jerryd Bayless, Chase Powell, Kyle Weaver, Samuel Dalembert, Troy Murphy