Writing about the two times CP3 was very close to being a Celtic had me reflecting on both scenarios. An in hindsight, I'm happy Ainge was unable to pull off a deal either time. Obviously the Big 3 Era never happens if Pierce is moved for the No. 4 pick back in 2005, and I don't think agreeing to give him an extension after a trade for him 2011 would have been the right call. The rest of the group around him was on their collective last leg, so it would have just been a bunch of spare parts around CP3 in an Eastern Conference LeBron would continue to dominate for another seven years. No thanks.