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Celtics still in the hunt for Battier

Via SI

Battier's list still includes the Heat, Spurs, Pacers, Raptors, Grizzlies, Celtics and his former Memphis team. The Thunder have also had discussions with either Battier or his camp. The team-to-player conversations might matter more with players like these than with so many others, as a clear understanding of roles, goals and, of course, financial incentive will come into play.

I'm really trying to wash the horrific taste from my mouth after an extended Twitter conversation in which I admitted that, at the veteran minimum, any player is worth a look.... including Vince Carter.  

So I'm desperately looking for reasons to not bring him here.  The second I see him wince at a call... or go down like he was hit by snipers only to bounce up again 2 plays later... might cause me to spontaneously combust. 

I'd so much rather have Shane Battier.  But then again, so do all those other teams.  And those other teams have money.  The Celtics don't.  And unless he'll come here for $3 million (he made $7 million last season), the Celtics have absolutely no shot at him. 

But I'm keeping the pipe dream alive as long as I can... because honestly, the other options, as much as I know we have no choice but to consider them, just make me ill. 

Shane Battier is a funny dude

This almost sounds like the little talking interlude that was in the middle of every Boyz II Men or Jodeci song in the 90's.  C'mon... can't you hear him saying this in the middle of this song?

I can picture Tony Allen in the back singing while Shane's talking.  Maybe a little harmony with OJ Mayo and Hamed Haddadi?  

Let's go fellas.  It's a lockout.  You've got plenty of time on your hands to make this happen.

Your Morning Dump... Throwing more cold water on Battier rumors

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.

With Marquis Daniels (bruised spinal cord) looking more and more like he'll be lost for the rest of the season, the Celtics are looking long and hard for a backup small forward to Paul Pierce.

One of the players Boston is reportedly pursuing is Houston's Shane Battier.

It makes sense for the Celtics to inquire about Battier, who is in the final year of a contract that pays him $7.35 million this season.

However, a league source confirmed to CSNNE.com Monday night that a deal involving Battier coming to Boston will not happen.

Far too often, trade rumors tend to omit two necessary factors that are in always in play with trades.

The team initiating the trade has to 1) see a player they want to acquire, and 2) put together a package that's enticing enough to the other team.

CSNNE - Celtics, Rockets deal for Battier not happening

There are few things that can get me off the couch in the middle of a Jersey Shore episode, but a Shane Battier-to-Boston trade rumor is one of them.

Shortly after reports of the rumor surfaced, Chris Mannix and Sherrod Blakely doused the flames.

I'm guessing Houston dished the information to ESPN to catch the attention of other interested teams. The Celtics just don't have the assets. I believe there's another team out there that can offer Houston a better package.

Related links: Globe - Celtics on the lookout | Herald - Quis' status stirs trade winds |

Editor's Warning: I advise all readers to ignore this Bleacher Report story which claims the deal could be done this morning. Bleacher Report has ZERO credibility.

On Page 2, updates on Shaq and Delonte West.

So that Battier deal? Forget it

Twitter / Chris Mannix: Houston-Boston deal involv ... via kwout

Yeah, that's what I thought.  The C's just have nothing of any real value to Houston. 

Ok boys... let's cue up the next rumor.

Report: C's, Rockets discussing Battier deal

Marc Stein reports

Add Houston's Shane Battier to the list of perimeter players that possess the ideal combination -- veteran know-how with an expiring contract -- to interest the Boston Celtics.

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has publicly acknowledged the need for backcourt reinforcements thanks to the Marquis Daniels' bruised spinal cord and Delonte West's spotty health all season. 

After the name of Cleveland's Anthony Parker surfaced Friday as a player that Boston has joined conference rival Chicago in pursuing, sources said Monday that the Celtics and Rockets have likewise discussed the prospect of Battier moving East. 

Yet it's too soon to say whether the teams can reach an agreement on a deal to send Battier to the Celtics, given that Boston's trade chips are limited and since Houston is regarded as one of the most aggressive teams in a conservative market and might need Battier's expiring $7.4 million salary for a bigger move. 

Well... that'll be interesting.  How the hell are the C's gonna pull this one off?

Marquis & Nate works.... but I have no earthly idea why the Rockets would do that.  Nate's got an extra year left on his deal.  

Someone help me figure this one out.  I'd love to get Battier... but I haven't got a clue how this is gonna work.

Your Morning Dump... Where we add Jarvis Hayes to the list

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.

With most of the higher-priced shooters off the free agent board, CSNNE.com has learned that the Celtics have had some conversations about one of the best still available, Jarvis Hayes.

In seven seasons, Hayes has a career average of 8.3 points per game with his average never dipping below 6.7 points per game, but never rising above 10.2.

And last season with the Nets, Hayes averaged 7.8 points per game while shooting 42.1 percent from the field which was slightly above his 41.5 percent career shooting average.

While Hayes remains an option, the C's have a few other small forwards rated a bit higher on their wish list.

Although he remains a long shot, the Celtics are reportedly still in the mix for Matt Barnes after a sign-and-trade with Toronto and Orlando fell through. Boston has also expressed interest in Rasual Butler, Larry Hughes and Antoine Wright, in addition to looking into a number of potential trade options involving Rasheed Wallace who is expected to retire prior to the start of the 2010-2011 season.

CSNNE

Think of Hayes as a replacement for Michael Finley.

On Page 2, Chris Forsberg throws cold water on the Shane Battier speculation.

Rasheed Wallace for Shane Battier?

A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE explores some trade options for the Celtics:

Rasheed Wallace to Houston in exchange for Shane Battier:
Battier's salary for 2010-2011 season: $7.35 million
Years remaining on current contract: 1

Why this works for Boston: Battier gives the C's a veteran presence who can defend small forwards at a comparable level to the departed Tony Allen (signed with Memphis earlier this month); is in the last year of his contract which means the C's won't have to make a long-term commitment which is consistent with the Celtics' approach to offseason additions this summer; one of the more respected players in the league, would be a good fit inside the C's locker room.

Why this works for Houston: With the Rockets inching close to the luxury tax threshold following a brisk offseason, trading Battier for Wallace would save them at least $1 million in salary; Houston has Kevin Martin, Trevor Ariza and Chase Budinger in the fold, creating what appears to be a logjam of sorts at the small forward position when you throw Battier in the mix.

Battier would be a spectacular addition for the Celtics. It's a no brainer. The only problem - there have been no credible reports linking the Celtics and Rockets to trade talks.

Blakely includes James Posey and Nazr Mohammed as other trade possibilities for the Celtics.