Ever since LeBron James signed that 3-year extension with the Cavaliers, all teams have had July 1, 2010 circled on their calendar. And, with other superstars including Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire, Dirk Nowitzki, and Joe Johnson, the 2010 Free Agency class is sure to be one of the most star-studded classes ever.

Going into the season, the Celtics knew that SG Ray Allen would also be a free agent at the end of the year. But two days ago, quite shockingly, the face of the Celtics franchise F Paul Pierce opted out of his contract to step foot in the Free Agency ring. So, with this new wrinkle, what should the Celtics do during the Free Agency period? Should they re-sign Pierce and Allen, two-thirds of The Big Three who led the Celtics to two Finals appearances in the last three years? Or, should they cut ties and try and build a younger team for the future around rising star PG Rajon Rondo?

It's hard to say. Everyone continued saying how the Celtics were old and beaten this year, that they wouldn't advance very far in the playoffs due to the aging Big Three (and they had a right to assume that seeing as the productivity of all three dropped off a bit this year). However, with great coaching, teamwork, hard work, and resiliency, they knocked off three great teams in the Miami Heat, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Orlando Magic before they were handed a hard-fought Game 7 loss in the NBA finals by the hands of defending champions the Los Angeles Lakers.

With the success of this past year, do the Celtics try it again? Do they bring back Allen and Pierce in hopes that come playoff time they can step up their game? I think so. Paul Pierce has been with the Celtics his whole career. He should end his career with the Celtics. With Rondo blossoming into the best point guard in the league, Pierce does not have to do that much work scoring or setting up other players. And, Allen has greatly improved the Celtics long range efforts. He is a three-point threat every time he touches the ball. Perhaps the Celtics could try and woo sharp-shooting Joe Johnson from free agency in case Allen goes elsewhere and try and sell him on the winning mentality that Boston has shown it has. However, I think the stars of this years Free Agency class will look first and primarily to go wherever LeBron ends up, then perhaps where Wade goes.

My motto has always been: "If it isn't broke, don't fix it." The Celtics showed that they can reach the finals even with their aging roster. With the success they had this past year, Rondo, Davis, and Tony Allen now have even more experience in the playoffs and they are very capable of producing points and playing hard-nose defense when the Celtics need it. Keep the nucleus of the Celtics together and let's make another run at the title next year!