Despite under-performing during the regular season, Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics managed to make a run to the NBA Finals in 2009-10 before falling to the Los Angeles Lakers in a highly contested seven game showdown. However, just a week ago it looked like the championship team from 2008 might fall apart as neither coach Doc Rivers nor franchise centerpieces Ray Allen and Paul Pierce would make any clear statements regarding their future.

Nonetheless, the Celtics will apparently gather for another championship run as they were able to sign All-Star forward Paul Pierce to a 4-year contract worth $61 million. That said, it should be noted that Pierce opted out of his previous contract which would have paid him $21.5 million this year in order to allow the franchise's management to keep the current core intact. Last year, Paul Pierce put up 18.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 34 minutes per contest. Similarly, sharp shooter Ray Allen also signed for another two years in Boston Celtics which will earn him a paycheck of no less than $20 million. Over the past few years, Allen was an important part of Boston's success, averaging 16.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game in 2009-10 while shooting 37% from beyond the arc. Albeit Ray Allen has multiple All-Star appearances under his belt it remains to be seen how much the 35 year old shooting guard has left in him. Last but not least, GM Danny Ainge ensured that things continue to go into the right direction by convincing head coach Doc Rivers to stay another year in Massachusetts.

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