I am not reacting to Ray's performance through the early rounds of the playoffs, nor am I basing my valuation on the cache of his name, the fact is:
By the end of the season, Ray Allen was the fourth most important member of this team.
I propose sending Ray Allen to Indiana, along with their choice of Powe/Davis in return for Mike Dunleavy, Jamaal Tinsley, and Jeff Foster.
This is a no brainer for Boston - we recieve the best player in the deal (Dunleavy), the best backup pointgaurd in the league (Tinsley), and swap a 6'8" scrappy PF for a 6'11" scrappy F/C
The real question is why does Indy make this trade? They make the trade to get out from under Tinsley's contract, and they fill a need at shooting guard. Plus, Allen provides a lot of value as a mentor to a young team.
Here is the kicker from our end: It does not appear that the Bulls will resign Ben Gordon, nor do they seem intent on matching offers. If that happens, the best Gordon could hope for is a full MLE contract with non bird rights: 3 years.
Here are some reasons I hate that deal
1) Ray Allen's contract expires in 2010. His value will only increase to us until then. If we decide to keep him and his contract expires, he is worth to us whatever we decide to pay him. But, his 18 million in expiring money in 2010 is a major trade chip to any team that wants to clear cap room for Mcgrady, Paul, LBJ, Bosh, Doo-Wayne or Amare.
2) Ray Allen was our second more consistent scorer this season. Ray Allen was the third most important member of this team, behind Pierce and Garnett, in that order. Rondo would have no room to operate if it wasn't for Ray's steady hand and superior shooting. Rondo is really good, but don't underestimate what Ray brings to our team without even taking a shot. Even the
threat that he may shoot is enough for teams to drastically change their defensive arrangements. Eddie House doesnt bring that, Garnett doesn't bring that, and neither does Pierce.
3) Ray Allen has been great for our guys. He's widely regarded as one of the best vets to have around. he's got rondo shooting extra shots, big baby shooting ft's...he takes these young kids and helps make professionals out of them, as much as any vet I've ever heard of. I'd rather Ray Allen teach JR Giddens to leave the club clothes at home during road trips than Jamaal Tinsley teach Giddens how to make it rain in the strip club.