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.
Herald - Nate Robinson going green againAaron Goodwin, the agent for Nate Robinson, said yesterday the two sides could reach a deal by the end of the week.
“Things are going well,” Goodwin said. “We’re just trying to get something worked out. But both parties are talking.”
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Unlike they had with Allen, the C’s don’t hold the so-called “Larry Bird rights” to Robinson, and as a result, can’t go over the salary cap to give their backup point guard more money.
No comment from Nate this morning (via his Twitter), although he did say he was up early and unable to sleep. Maybe he's anxious with the new deal looming. How's that for ridiculous speculation?
As for other potential free-agents, Mark Murphy has this quote from a league executive:
“There’s nothing imminent - just a lot of investigation (for them),” the league official said. “That’s what happens when you’re in minimum contract mode.”
All the trade rumors surrounding Rasheed's retiring contract have dried up... and that concerns me. If Sheed is retiring, don't you think Danny Ainge would be dangling that contract in front of every GM?
On Page 2, the Commish chimes in on LeBron and his Decision.
“I think the advice that he received was poor,’’ Stern said of James. “His performance was fine. His honesty and integrity shined though. But this decision [show] was ill-conceived, badly produced, and poorly executed. Those who were interested in it were given our opinion prior to its airing.’’
Stern announced yesterday he fined Gilbert $100,000, calling the owner’s statements “ill-advised and imprudent.’’ The letter, in which he described James’s decision to leave as “narcissistic’’ and “cowardly behavior’’ remains on the Cavaliers’ website. Gilbert later said he thought James quit on the Cavaliers during their playoff loss to the Celtics.
“I think Dan Gilbert is a good owner,’’ Stern said. “And I think he was completely correct in expressing his disappointment and determination to win. In fact, if he wants to guarantee a championship, more power to him. But you could read the rest of the statement and see where I think it was a little bit to the extreme in his follow-on interview. It’s those two that caused me to make the decision that I did.’’
Globe - Stern weighs in on James, fines Gilbert
You know you screwed up when David "My League Doesn't Stink" Stern piles on.
The rest of the links:
Globe - Rondo excited about Team USA | WEEI - Gerald Green: How the high flier was grounded | ESPN - Utah leading charge for Al Jefferson | ESPN Boston - Perk undergoes successful surgery |