Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
But contrary to reports, the Celtics were not actively involved in the pursuit of players to whom they were linked for two days.
Ty Lawson, Enes Kanter and DeMarcus Cousins were replaced by Goran Dragic and Isaiah Thomas of the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City’s Reggie Jackson in the Celtics rumor mill, but sources on different sides of the issue confirmed there was nothing of substance to any of it.
Leaving aside the question of fit, it’s apparent the C’s are not enamored of the uncertainty that would come with acquiring Dragic or Jackson. The former plans to be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the latter will be restricted.
There is no guarantee the Celts could keep either player, and while Ainge certainly isn’t above taking a chance, it’s hard to picture him doing so with Dragic, who didn’t have Boston on his list of desired destinations and could command more on the open market than the C’s would be willing to pay.
It’s true that by getting a free agent-to-be now, a team will be able to give him more money and a longer deal than other suitors in the offseason, but the Celtics don’t necessarily have to get creative in that way. They will have cap space to spend on free agents.
The belief among opponents is that Ainge is in a good position regarding today’s deadline, the draft and the period beyond.
“Pretty much anything that’s there for him now will be there again when the season is over,” one general manager said. “The difference is there’ll be a lot more clarity at that point. Whether it’s a sign-and-trade or some other kind of deal, you’re going to know what you’re getting.
Unless Goran Dragic has a change of heart, you stay the hell away from him.
Reggie Jackson’s situation is a bit different. I’d approve of the Celtics moving some assets for Jackson provided they have some idea of what it will take to sign him to a long-term deal. There are reports Jackson turned down 4 years, $48 million from OKC. I don’t blame him for thinking he can get Gordon Hayward or Chandler Parsons money ($60 million) on the open market.
There’s really no rush for Danny Ainge to take any risks, unless a rim protecting center hits the market:
Rival executives say that Indiana is open to trading Roy Hibbert. Nothing is imminent, but the Pacers would move him for the right offer.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) February 19, 2015
Hibbert’s game hit a plateau in 2012, but I believe, at 28, he can still impact games defensively. The question is… at what price?
On Page 2, Brandon Bass doesn’t know what a buyout is.
“I don’t know anything about that, man,” Bass told MassLive.com. “I don’t even know what a buyout is. What is that?”
The power forward might have been joking. He probably knows what a buyout is. Anyway, the reporter informed him of the concept.
“Why would I want to take a contract hit to become a free agent?” Bass replied. “Man, listen, I would never want to take a contract hit to become a free agent.”
Fair enough.
Gotta love Brandon Bass’ honesty. FWIW, I never figured him to be a buyout candidate.
He doesn’t seem like the type of guy to bitch and moan, and the Celtics see value in his veteran leadership and work ethic.
Related: CSNNE – Bass admits it’s tough being part of rumors | Thornton: Whatever happens, happens | Globe – Celts veterans try to rest as trade talk swirls | Herald – Prince not fixed on trade talk
And finally, the Wolves want to bring KG back for a curtain call?
The Minnesota Timberwolves are making an 11th-hour push before Thursday’s trade deadline to try to reacquire Wolves legend Kevin Garnett in a swap that would send Thaddeus Young to Brooklyn, ESPN.com has learned.
Sources told ESPN.com the sides have engaged in serious discussions on the deal, which would ultimately require Garnett’s approval even if the teams agree before Thursday’s 3 p.m. deadline, since Garnett possesses one of the NBA’s six full no-trade clauses.Garnett has insisted in recent weeks that he is not in the market for an in-season exit from Brooklyn, largely because he does not wish to displace his family in the middle of the season.
Don’t do it, Kev. If you are going to leave Brooklyn (and you should), latch on to a contending team out west.
The playoffs are a lot more fun with KG in the mix.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Olynyk unlikely for Friday | USA Today – Jerome Kersey dies at 52
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