Check out Scal in the background.

• Rumblings about Ray Allen being on his way out of Boston are accurate, but only if the Celtics can get back a player who’d crack the top eight in their rotation. One scenario that has been discussed would have Allen going to Chicago for Kirk Hinrich and another piece – John Salmons? – to satisfy the salary requirements. If it came to fruition, what an intriguing swap it would be for teams that waged such a thrilling postseason battle only eight months ago. Since Allen’s $19.7 million contract expires after the season, acquiring him would leave Chicago flush with cap space for a 2010 free-agent binge centered around Chicago native Dwyane Wade and an additional superstar.

• One of Allen’s teammates also is generating some interest: Kendrick Perkins, who’d be a perfect fit for a team like the Pistons, who are desperate for a post presence. But Perkins only makes $4.3 million, and it’s difficult to imagine the Celtics parting with him given the way Kevin Garnett is gimping around.

So the Celtics are willing to trade Ray Allen for any player who will crack the top eight of their rotation? Right now, the Celtics’ 8th man is Tony Allen or Eddie House. So I guess they’re now willing to trade Ray for a Tony Allen type. Riiiigggghhhttt, Ken Berger.

I find it easy to believe the C’s would think about trading Ray, but not if they aren’t going to get any help. Trading for Hinrich and Salmons hurts the Celtics now and, because of Hinrich’s $9 mil per year salary, would hurt the Celtics in the future too. Neither Hinrich or Salmons is a building block for the coming years.

And trading Kendrick Perkins? That’s pretty laughable too… at least, I hope it is. Why trade a young center coming into his own, making $4.3 million? I couldn’t think of a single reason to do so.