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 Celtics have made multiple offers to Brown and his new agent, Jason Glushon, in the ramp to Monday’s deadline. Glushon has been at the team’s practice facility each of the past two days and both sides seem content with how talks have proceeded.
The question is whether they can arrive at a number that works for both sides before Monday’s deadline. Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge seemed to hint this week that Boston has already gone higher with its bid than a four-year, $80 million offer that was reported earlier this week. Brown is eligible to receive up to $130 million on a four-year extension (any five-year deal would have to be for the $170 max).
If the sides can find a middle ground — let’s say somewhere in the four-year, $100 million range — maybe there’s a deal to be made before Monday. But Brown could also bank on himself in hopes that a team would commit upwards of max money next summer.
I’ll go on the record and say the Celtics will not reach an agreement with Jaylen Brown by 5 pm.
And this will have no bearing on whether Boston locks him up in the off-season.
As you debate Brown’s value, chew on these facts and rumors pertaining to Brown’s peers:
– Pascal Siakam agreed to a four-year, $130 million extension with the Toronto Raptors on Saturday.
– Buddy Hield reportedly is looking for a four-year contract worth $110 million, while the Kings would prefer to give him around $90 million.
– The Pacers are considering trade offers for Domantas Sabonis. It’s rumored he could be seeking a deal similar to one signed by teammate Myles Turner – $80 million over four years.
No, the Celtics won’t trade Brown for Sabonis. Juice is probably aiming for Siakam money, but I think the Celtics will hold firm at $110 million.
Related links – Mass Live: The business of Jaylen Brown | Herald – Brown keeps business affairs in order
On Page 2, Marcus Morris throws some shade at Kyrie Irving.
According to Morris, though, there’s a major difference in the locker-room dynamic: The Knicks don’t have to cater to a superstar the way Boston did for Kyrie Irving.
“The teams are different. We don’t have that one guy where it’s like, okay, he’s first,” Morris said. “It’s a team thing. No knock on Ky, but obviously he’s a superstar, he’s first. Sometimes his emotions were put in front of the team. I think here, we’re all transparent with each other. We can all go up to each other and be honest with each other. That’s the biggest thing, when you can go out and speak to your brother.”
No knock on Ky, but sometimes his temperamental petulance brought us down. No knock, though.
I promise to stop writing about last season.
The rest of the links
Globe – Smart is blessed to still be here
Herald – A tale of two Celtics teams
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