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.
...the team also expanded its scope and began negotiations with representatives for Ray Allen, who also became an unrestricted free agent yesterday.
Unlike most members of this summer’s enormous free agent class who won’t be trolling for maximum contract dollars, Allen could still score well with contenders searching for a shooter to complement their younger stars.
In a field of shooting guards that also includes J.J. Redick, Kyle Korver and Michael Redd, Allen is clearly the most desirable of the group. He can expect to hear from Cleveland if, indeed, James chooses to remain a Cavalier.
Utah, which appears set to part ways with Korver, could also emerge as a contender for Allen’s services.
Herald: Talks begin with Ray Allen
I've heard it a million times so I'll just reiterate it quickly... anything can happen to any free agent after July 1.
There. I said it. But I'm not worried about it. I know we all face some level of trepidation with Ray when we see all the money that is stupidly being thrown around... but he wants to be here. He's only got a couple years left. And its not like the C's will offer him the veteran minimum. He'll make plenty here... and he's not going to go start over anywhere... not Utah, not Cleveland.... nowhere.
By the way, the latest stupid contract: 5 years, $34 million for Amir Johnson in Toronto. He averaged 6 and 5 for the Raps last year. And while he'll get more time with Bosh leaving... and yeah, he's 23 years old and he's got potential...but isn't more than $6 million per year a little much to be paying a 23 year old with single digit averages?
It's funny to see, actually. All these historically bad teams are making it rain. Any wonder they're historically bad?
On page 2: The C's contact another big
It has been widely reported that the C's have targeted Chicago center Brad Miller as a possible replacement for Kendrick Perkins, whose right knee injury suffered in Game Six of the NBA Finals will sideline him until at least December.
But league sources told CSNNE.com Thursday night that the Celtics have also inquired about Dallas center Brendan Haywood.Prior to being traded to the Mavericks last season, Haywood was having one of his best seasons in the NBA with the Washington Wizards, averaging a near double-double with 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds.
CSNNE: Celtics inquire about Brendan Haywood
Of all the available bigs, I think this guy should be our number 1 target. I just feel like we need someone who will hang down low and hit the boards. He'd essentially be Perk's replacement. I know Brad Miller is almost Sheed's replacement and sort of KG insurance... but we just need a banger. And Haywood is as close to that as you're going to find right now.
But we're going to get priced out of this guy the way things are going right now. He made $6 million last year. I'll say he's done nothing to get a raise. $6 mil. is a bit on the high side... but that's this market right now. The problem will be the years. He'll turn 31 this coming season. He'll want 4 or 5 years to play out the string. And it seems like 5 year, $30-something million is the "in" thing to offer role players these days. That's way too much. I'm all for playing for today... but you can't screw yourself either.
The rest of the links.
Herald: Keep rockin', Cleveland | Wade, Bosh get busy in Chicago | Jackson set for 'Last Stand' | Globe: Desperate times for former Celtic Ray Williams | Free Thinkers | WEEI: Celtics Harbor Cruise raises over $50,000