Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
“I love playing with them, but at the end of the day it’s a business and the Celtics [team stats] feel like they’ll be a better team with the guy they’re trying to get. So you’ve got to move on. That’s what it is. I’m here at practice today. I’m a basketball player. I’m going to do what I love to do and play basketball and come (today) figure out what’s going to happen.”...
“At the end of the day that’s something you can’t control,” he said. “It’s out of my hands. It’s never been in my hands. What’s in my hands is that wherever I go . . . going to New York I have two months to play some real strong basketball, hopefully get some wins with them guys and make a good account for myself for free agency.”
Herald: Rivers lauds House's professional approach
“I told him what was going on,’’ said Rivers. “I was honest with him. I did tell him if he didn’t want to practice, that’s fine.
“I also told him nothing’s done, and nothing is done. Eddie’s a part of our core, and he’ll always be part of that.
“It’s easy for me to move guys around the exterior of our core. It’s very difficult for me to ever even think about touching anybody in our core. So if we do this, that in my opinion is what we’d be doing, and for me that’s a tough thing to do. But that’s life in the NBA.’’
Globe: Robinson deal in the works
Life in the NBA is great... millions of dollars, love and adoration of fans, the ability to act like a kid in a locker room until your 30's.
But the trade-off is the uncertainty of where you'll live your life... especially if you're a role player like Eddie.
No matter how much we love him... no matter how close he is to the guys on that team. If he needs to go for a player the team thinks will make them better... then he goes. And that applies to anyone. That's life in the NBA.
Eddie was very important to the Celtics championship run. He stepped up when Sam Cassell couldn't. Sad to see ya go Eddie.
Coming up Page 2, where Danny might be sending the team a message
Photo by Elsa/Getty ImagesIt might work, it might not. But it seems Ainge couldn't let the deadline pass without making some sort of statement to his team, taking them out of their comfort level, if even just a bit.
But is this the only move Ainge plans to make? It remains to be seen if a team will put together a strong enough offer to make the Celtics seriously consider moving Ray Allen and his expiring $19.7 million contract.
One thing's for certain: Ainge doesn't appear shy about pulling the trigger if he feels he can help his team win -- and win now. If the right deal were to float across his desk, he'd have to give a Ray Allen trade careful thought.
The impending trade of House suggests that the Celtics think their championship window is still open, and they plan to utilize every remaining moment before letting it shut.
Chris Forsberg: What's the deal with Nate Robinson
Was this trade as much about sending a message as it was making the team better? Was it a "hey... you guys are a little too comfortable... so I'm going send you a warning shot by trading one of your friends away."
It's a cold, cold business... but if that's the move that needed to be made... then so be it. I can only imagine the looks on the guys faces.
"Oh man... Eddie?"
Wake up boys. If this is a move Danny had to make because you guys got too complacent, then you all owe Eddie his moving expenses and maybe a Rolex or two. It's a shame to think this guy has to uproot his family again because some guys were a little too comfortable.
The rest of the links
Herald: Expecting House swap | Shooting for versatility | Ankle injury KO's Kobe for tonight | Cavs snag Antawn Jamison in 3 way | Scouting report: Celtics @ Lakers | Kevin Martin expected to go to Rockets | Bulls send Salmons to Bucks | Globe: House: Strong possibility | Bryant may not face Celtics | Jamison traded to Cleveland | ESPN Boston: 11th hour trade pitches | Camerato: Celtics vs. Lakers: Just another game? | NESN: Celtics Blog roundtable (including Red's Army) makes sense of rumors | Celtics Blog: Is that it? | Lex: Thanks Eddie House | CSL Blog: Gang Green 3-17 | The meaning behind "The Full Rondo"