Rumor: Celtics interested in Rip Hamilton

Via Detroit Free Press:

It's beginning to look like Hamilton's days are numbered. He really doesn't fit the direction of the team. He's more effective in the half-court game, but there will be a push to increase the tempo next season to take advantage of the talents of the younger players. With three seasons left on the extension he signed last season, it will be tough to move him, but not impossible. An Eastern Conference executive told me recently he still has value and the Celtics have been kicking the tires for the past year. The Pistons may have to take a bad contract in return.

I hope there is ZERO truth to the Celtics interest in Rip Hamilton. He's a 32-year old shooting guard in obvious decline with a large contract ($37 million over the next 3 years). I'd rather they resign Ray Allen for three years.

And there is no one on the Celtics roster who could complete the salary match. Unless Danny Ainge could bring in a third team and dump Rasheed Wallace. Even then, I'm not sure I want three years of Rip.