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.
Since Toronto recently spent the bulk of its $5.8 million mid-level exception to sign Linas Kleiza, it doesn't have the available funds to sign Barnes outright to a deal that starts in the neighborhood of $4 million.
The Magic, though, are prevented by salary-cap rules from starting a sign-and-trade deal for Barnes at higher than $2 million, because Orlando doesn't have Barnes' full Bird rights after employing him for only one season. A sign-and-trade deal would also have to span at least three years, although only the first year is required to be guaranteed.
How the hell can an NBA GM and NBA agent agree to a deal that isn't possible? If I'm Matt Barnes, I immediately fire my agent and give Toronto the middle finger salute.
Before thoughts of Barnes wearing green cross your mind (again), you should know that Cleveland still has its full MLE.
On Page 2, news about the Celtics efforts to move Sheed's contract.
The Celtics’ attempt to move the yet-to-retire Rasheed Wallace’s $6 million salary slot may even take longer, after teams finish with free agency and have a better idea of how their respective rosters shape up.
But right now, movement on that front for the Celtics is even slower than the attempt to sign a quality player to a veteran’s minimum contract.
Not even the lure of a team that came within 12 minutes of the NBA title is always enough when money is involved.
“That’s never been enough to prevent guys from making money,” said Ainge. “It’s always hard to gauge. We just have to wait and see. There are still good players out there.”
Herald - Danny Ainge can only wait
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston - Done deal: Nate Robinson | ESPN - Wade apologizes for World Trade comment | CSNNE - Celtics in search of a swingman |
