An Optimistic Strategic Look at the Perkins Trade

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An Optimistic Strategic Look at the Perkins Trade

Perk was my favorite Celtic. Let's get that out of the way first. But as I kept thinking about this trade and the strategy that no doubt went through Danny Ainge's head, I can understand why he did it.

I'm not gonna be funny in this one, by the way, so if you're looking for laughs go rent Big Momma's House 2. It's an instant classic.

Here we go:

It was widely known that Perk wanted big money and would hold out until he got it from someone. We know this because he rejected the Celtics' initial offer of 4 years, 22 mil. Granted it was a low offer, but it was preliminary. So Danny must have thought they would've been out bid for Perk by one of the many teams looking for solid big men.

Secondly, his injury history could've influenced DA to make a move after he banged his knee a couple days ago. We all know about his knees so there's no reason to go into it. I'm just saying it could've been a significant reason DA traded him.

So those are the main reasons why I think DA made the trade with regards to Perk.

But I feel like there was much more of a league-wide strategy here, and I'll explain.

Look at all the good teams in the East. Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, and New York all have exactly zero solid big men. That is why they play a fast break style offense, so they don't have to post up or slow it down. The Celts are okay at playing that game, but for the most part they do a great job slowing those teams down, which is why they beat them.

By getting rid of Perk, they can now run out a potential lineup of Rondo-Ray Ray-Paul-Jeff Green-KG, which could run with anybody and also play shut down D.

There is a potential problem down the line if Orlando comes to town, but they suck right now. So Dwight Howard might own the Celtics' bigs, but I'll take the Celtics' staring 4 over Orlando's all day.

So the new makeup of the team seems to be much more suited for the run-and-gun offenses in the East.

At the same time, by sending Perk to OKC, they give a great young team the center they were starving for.

You know who just pooped his pants? Andrew Bynum and Pao Gasol.

So by sending Perk to a solid West team, it hurts the Lakers. And by bringing back Jeff Green, the Celts become a better fast break team to combat the East.

In the end, I hate to see Perk go, because he really was my favorite Celtic. But I understand why Danny did it and now I hope you do too.