Scepticism in the Celtics Deal

The Celtics? Wow, who knows? But trading Kendrick Perkins is the biggest gamble Danny Ainge has taken in his time as the team's general manager. Trading for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen was easy. This is hard. This is messing with the core fabric of a team that's been to two Finals in the last three years, winning one, and which was arguably one injury away -- Perkins' injury -- from winning again last year. This is counting on Shaquille and Jermaine O'Neal to be what they once were, and that doesn't happen in sports.

"And, you're counting on Delonte West being your backup point guard," a Western Conference GM said, referring to Nate Robinson's departure.