Reborn Celtics Almost Traded Ray Allen And Paul Pierce

The Boston Celtics have been one of the league's better teams after the trade deadline, moving from the playoff bubble to the presumptive Atlantic champions and a team with -- depending on Derrick Rose's injuries -- a shot at the conference finals.

But it almost didn't happen, because Boston reportedly nearly traded both Ray Allen and Paul Pierce.

Before the Big Three could make it past the trade deadline, Allen-to-the-Grizzlies had to fall apart and discussions on a deal that would have sent Paul Pierce to the New Jersey Nets for an expiring Mehmet Okur contract and a lottery pick never reached completion, league sources said.

The Allen trade would have netted no less than O.J. Mayo, an increasingly valuable sixth man whose shooting and size could have fit well with Rajon Rondo. Doc Rivers actually called Allen to tell him about the trade ... before it fell apart, forcing Doc to make a second call. No wonder Ray seems so upset lately.

It's great that the Celtics have bounced back and have one last run in them -- Allen and Kevin Garnett are free agents come July -- but man, now I'm just sad we never got to see Jesus Shuttlesworth added to that Memphis monster. A dream is a wish your heart makes, and I'm going back to sleep.