Allen: "No Hard Feelings" On Trade

The Sonics referenced Ray Allen's age and his recent ankle injuries to explain why they dealt him to the Boston Celtics for guard Delonte West, forward Wally Szczerbiak and the No. 5 pick in Thursday's NBA draft, which they used to select Georgetown forward Jeff Green.

They failed to mention that the seven-time All-Star guard is due $52 million over the next three years, but his salary is believed to have played a large part in their decision-making, according to the Seattle Times.

Whatever the reason, Allen doesn't hold a grudge.

"There's no hard feelings, not at all," he said. "Like anything else, this just closes a chapter in my career here. I just have to move forward and worry about what I need to do. It's over with here. It doesn't surprise me.

"Regardless of the time I spent with [owner] Clay Bennett or what I may have done for this team, there's no loyalties in this business. With [general manager] Sam Presti coming in from San Antonio, he's trying to make his mark, and I'm pretty sure that if Rick Sund were at the helm, there would have been a different decision."

Via Seattle Times

Oklahoma City, Boston Celtics

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Celtics Not Done Dealing?

Kevin Garnett stayed put last night. Starting Sunday, look for the offers to resurface for the Timberwolves All-Star. The question has to be asked: Will the Celtics be back in the chase?

One of the most important non-components of last night's deal securing Ray Allen was who was not involved. That would be Theo Ratliff, whose attractive, expiring contract is still on the Boston books. That was good enough to get Garnett a week ago, along with, ahem, Al Jefferson and assorted flotsam and jetsam. Would the Celtics do the same deal? Would the Timberwolves?

For those of you dreaming of an Allen-Garnett-Paul Pierce triumvirate, there are a few entanglements, starting with the reason the deal was killed in the first place: Garnett's desire not to play in Boston. He was unambiguous about not only not playing in Boston, but that his preferred destination be Phoenix. (Somehow, we think he wouldn't object to the Lakers.)

Via Boston Globe

Boston Celtics

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Sonics Acquire Green In Deal For Allen

The Seattle SuperSonics stayed very busy in the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft by trading All-Star Ray Allen and the 35th pick in this year’s draft to the Boston Celtics for forward Wally Szczerbiak, guard Delonte West and the No. 5 pick in the draft. With the fifth pick, the Celtics selected forward Jeff Green who was sent to Seattle.

The Sonics picked forward Glen Davis out of LSU at the No. 35 pick, who was sent to Boston. The Sonics will also receive either Boston’s 2nd round pick, or Portland’s 2nd round pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, whichever is better. Boston acquired the Portland pick through a previous trade. “Jeff Green is a player that doesn't need the ball to be effective,” Sonics General Manager Sam Presti said. “He's a tremendous facilitator and passer. Those that have seen him play in venues other than the Georgetown system have a better understanding of what it is this guy brings to the table.” In three years at Georgetown University, Green averaged 13.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. He was named to the Associated Press All-American Third Team in 2006-07 and as a junior, he helped lead the Hoyas to its first Final Four appearances since 1985. He ranks 17th in scoring, 16th in rebounding and 12th in assists on Georgetown’s all-time lists. Szczerbiak was originally drafted as the No. 6 overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1999 NBA Draft. In his seven years in the NBA, the 6-7 forward from Miami (Ohio) University is averaging 15.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He is also shooting .493 (2,996-6,073) from the field. He was traded to the Celtics by Minnesota in January 2006. West was drafted by Boston in 2004 with the 24th pick in the NBA Draft. In his three years with the Celtics, the 6-4 guard from St. Joseph’s is averaging 10.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. The Sonics’ 31st pick (Carl Landry of Purdue) was traded to Houston for a future second round pick and cash considerations. “What an exciting night for this organization,” Presti said. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring in two caliber players to Seattle like Kevin Durant and Jeff Green. Obviously, making a deal that involves a player like Ray Allen is a really, really difficult decision for any organization. However, where we want to go, we felt that this was the best decision for the organization at this time.” Allen just completed his fifth season with the Sonics. The 11-year NBA veteran is a seven-time All-Star and holds career averages of 21.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. “I want to personally compliment Ray Allen; Ray Allen the person and Ray Allen the outstanding, professional player,” said Sonics Chairman Clay Bennett. “We appreciate the career of Ray Allen in this market. And we wish him the very best.”

Via RealGM

Oklahoma City, Boston Celtics

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