The Need for 'Sheed

In addition to waving Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson goodbye, GM Danny Ainge also said farewell to Semih Erden, Luke Harangody and Marquis Daniels during Thursday's Trade Deadline, opening up several roster spots, one of which old friend Rasheed Wallace could eventually fill. 

While Celtics fans undoubtedly find themselves struggling to adjust to the harsh reality that Kendrick Perkins has played his final game in green and white, one aspect to Thursday's trade deadline that seemingly got lost in the shuffle is that GM Danny Ainge made two separate transactions as well.

First, Ainge traded rookies Semih Erden and Luke Harangody to the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers for a 2013 second round pick, formerly owned by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Erden, a seven-foot center from Turkey drafted 60th overall in 2008, appeared in 37 games for the Celts this season, averaging 4.1 points. Harangody, the former Notre Dame star chosen 52nd overall by the Celtics in the 2010 draft, played in 28 games this season, averaging 2.3 points mostly in mop-up duty late in games. Harangody's career highlight came in a 122-102 victory over Toronto in January 7 when he scored 17 points to go along with 11 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. 

In another move, Ainge sent injured swingman Marquis Daniels to the Sacramento Kings for cash considerations and a 2017 second-round pick. The trade represents a sad ending to Daniels' stay in Boston. After battling injuries for most of his two years in Beantown, Daniels was finally hitting his stride and becoming a key contributor off the bench when he injured his spinal cord in a game against the Magic on Feb 6. He has not played since and there is no timetable for his return. The injury could require surgery, putting his career in jeopardy. 

At first glance, both trades appear somewhat meaningless, simply due to the fact that Erden, Harangody and Daniels made minimal impact this season and the Celtics only got two second rounders and cash in return. However, the trades represent something much greater. By trading away Erden, Harangody and Daniels, the Celtics now have three open roster spots.  

As a result, Ainge now has the ability to scour the waiver wire and pounce on a veteran player of value bought out of their contract.

Insert: Troy Murphy.

The former Notre Dame star, recently acquired by Golden State, is all but certain to be bought out by the Warriors and has said on several occasions that he's always wanted to play for the Celtics. Murphy would be a great fit as well. At 6'11'', 245 lbs the nine-year pro is a reliable veteran who can stretch the floor with his outside shot as well as add depth to the Celtics depleted center position. Add Murphy to Krstic and a pair of healthy O'Neal's and suddenly the void left by Perkins' departure doesn't seem so glaring. 

In addition to bringing in Murphy, the Celtics could very well bring back old friend Rasheed Wallace.

Reports indicate that Wallace has been cranking up his workouts recently in preparation for making a late-season return to Boston, a la P.J. Brown during the 2008 championship run. And while Wallace would instantly solidify the Celtics' group of once-thinning big men, his return would give the Celtics something they desperately need after trading away Perkins: toughness.

Wallace, who still lives in the Boston area, would assume Perkins' role as the intimidating force down low, getting under the skin of opponents while also adding a much-needed mean streak. If the Celtics hope to keep their reputation as one of the league's toughest teams, bringing back Wallace would be Ainge's easiest decision.