It’s a shame to trade Ray

Rumors have been swirling about the possibility of the Celtics breaking up the famed Big Three.

While Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett appear to be safe here, Ray Allen could be on his way out of town — if you believe everything you read on the Internet, that is.

With that, let’s look at the pros and cons of trading the future Hall of Famer.

PULL THE TRIGGER
Trading Allen now would be the ultimate Red Auerbach move. After a stellar second season with the Celtics, Allen’s trade value has peaked, and the C’s could stockpile enough assets to give them a chance for a run toward an 18th title — whether that happens next season or further down the road.

If they find a team that could (and would) take on Allen’s $19.8 million contract for 2009-10, the Celtics could acquire a lottery pick in next week’s draft, younger talent to develop alongside Pierce and Garnett, or enough depth to fill out their thinning bench.

Trading Allen would put the Celtics under the salary cap by a few million dollars (next season’s cap number will be released by the league early next month), so they’d have the chance to sign a couple free agents and also save ownership from paying the luxury tax (they paid an additional $9 million last season).

Allen turns 34 next month and is only under contract for one more season, so if the Celtics keep him, they run the risk of letting him walk away as a free agent.

NOT SO FAST
As a whole, the Celtics were arguably the best team in the NBA last season and could have won back-to-back titles — the Lakers (by a half game) were the only team with a better record before Garnett went down Feb. 19. Obviously, Allen played a key role in that regard.

With the starting lineup set to return in full next season, the Celtics have enough to contend for a title. Why mess with that?

There’s a good chance Allen would remain with the Celtics after his contract expires, and he’s a guy who can help a team for a few more years.