Great post, TP.
1. We bring Sully & Rondo back healthy, Pierce and KG play another season. With Green coming on, I say we're a top four team in the east , second round in the playoffs, or with a little luck ECF's - long shot at the finals.
But overall a competitive, entertaining team.
2. If KG retires and Doc walks, the rebuilding is on - we're probably a lottery team next year in a "loaded" draft.
The Clippers?
Personally, assuming that Pierce being bought out and signed with the mid level with the clips is the wink wink - if I was them I would be all over a KG, Lee, Terry for Jordan, Bledsoe and Butler deal and I'd throw in the two picks as well. Zero hesitation. Zero.
KG / free agent center (5-6 mil) / Chris Wilcox
Blake Griffin / Lamar odom
Pierce / Barnes
Lee / Jamaal Crawford / Willie Green
Chris Paul / Jason terry / Chancey Billups
Jordan is up in two years anyway. KG will have a "huge" impact on the interior defense of that team.
Bledsoe, really LA? With Chris Paul playing 38 minutes, you need a decent back up vet point (Terry, Billups will do fine.
KG and Pierce & Doc coaching give about 300% great chances to win a title than Jordan, Bledsoe and a couple rookie draft picks do.
You reload when KG and Pierce retire.
If I'm Boston, I lay my deal on the table and other than maybe moving a draft pick back, I don't budge. Pierce and KG can retire next year, I'll use the cap.
We have all the leverage - the Clippers have way more to lose than we do.