Smith is around the same age as Rajon Rondo(notes) and Jeff Green(notes), and could become an integral part of Ainge's rebuilding effort in the upcoming post-big three era. Who knows, the three twenty-somethings could be the big three of the next generation. Of course, there would need to be a considerable carrot at the end of the stick for a trade to happen, and Allen might be it.

Most fellow fans I know would call the departure of Allen unthinkable. Would Ainge really want to trade the NBA's all-time 3-point king? Would he really want to give up the best clutch shooter in basketball? Besides, Allen just exercised his contract option to stay with the Celtics a few weeks ago.

This is Danny Ainge we're talking about. All bets are off when it comes to this roster. As Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix recently told WEEI, Ainge is apparently open to trading anyone on the roster at this point. For all we know the recent news that the Cs aren't interested in Smith could be a bluff. Time will tell, but if Ainge does go after Smith, don't be surprised if he's willing to break up the big three to get him.