Was Pierce On the Block?

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Was Pierce On The Block?</p>
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<span style="font-style: italic">Sep 26</span> - Paul Pierce, who was prepared to ask for a trade before the deals for Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett dramatically altered the look and capability of the team, admitted he was among those who wondered whether Danny Ainge's plan finally was going to bear fruit.</p>

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"Yeah, I felt that way this year," he said. "Especially with the way the season went. We didn't (win) the lottery, and then it seemed like it was going to be the same as before, trying to pick a player in the draft."</p>

But on the eve of the Celtics' 10-day European excursion, the focus has shifted. The talk now is of chemistry, Italian style. -- <u><font color="#000000">Boston Herald</font></u></p>

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[*]Pierce thought he might be dealt despite signing a three-year, $59 million contract extension in the summer of 2006. But according to Celtics director of basketball operations Danny Ainge, Pierce hasn't been on the trading block since signing the extension.

"We really haven't discussed trades with Paul for the last year and a half," Ainge said. "Last year we decided to keep Paul. We had a couple conversations with Paul about us finding significant players to help us succeed. A lot of people have been trying to do things for their disgruntled stars. Paul knew what we were trying to do, he just wasn't sure we could do it."</p>

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-- <u><font color="#000000">Boston Globe</font></u></p>

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