Danny Ainge held a conference call with the media today to discuss the new affiliation with the Maine Red Claws. He also answered questions regarding potential free agents, BBD, and Eddie House.
On the free agent front, are there one or two guys we should pay attention to?
"There's the July 1st type free agents that we'll make a run at. There's August 1, August 15th free agents that we're waiting to see how, maybe they slip through the cracks...maybe they don't get what they're actually looking for and rather come to Boston and play for a lower number. There's a whole long list of free agents we like and we have in mind, but they're different levels and I certainly can't share with you those names."
Have you made your qualifying offer to Big Baby yet?
No, but we plan on doing that.
Have you heard from Eddie House's people?
"I have not, I don't know if they'll contact me today or just wait until the deadline tomorrow. I've talked with them but I don't have any answers. I don't know what the decision will be. I have my opinions on what he might do, but we're prepared for whatever he decides."
As for the Red Claws, Ainge said the proximity of Portland to Boston will be a blessing:
"I think there's times where players can be part of our team on occasion, come to our games at night, but still be practicing and be part of the affiliation with the Red Claws, they can be practicing, they can be playing on the D-League roster..."
Danny also said there will be plenty of special promotions involving the two teams and he'll be up in Portland for the occasional scouting trip but don't expect to see KG, PP or Ray.
