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.
Boston Celtics free-agent guard Ray Allen is scheduled to visit South Florida Thursday, with the Heat among five finalists for the veteran 3-point shooting specialist, who also has attracted interest from the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and Celtics.
The Heat’s bid is a three-year package built off their $3.1 million taxpayer’s mid-level exception for 2012-13, their only available free-agent funds beyond minimum salaries. The Celtics have a standing two-year offer starting at twice the Heat’s bid. Allen is scheduled to visit Friday with the Los Angeles Clippers, who have the full $5 million mid-level exception available, but who already have spoken to Portland Trail Blazers free-agent guard Jamal Crawford about a contract utilizing those funds.
All signs point to Jamal Crawford signing with the Clippers. That leaves Boston vs Miami for Ray’s services (spare me the Wolves, Grizzlies talk).
I believe Ray is going to take the Heat offer and it’s because he’s sick of the mid-season trade rumors. If the Celtics’ season sours, Ray becomes trade bait, again. That is highly unlikely to happen in Miami.
The rest of the links:
Herald – Clippers talk with Crawford, Allen on Friday (w/note about Ryan Hollins) | Return Ticket gives Celtics a lift | Yahoo! – Lakers land Nash for draft picks | Rockets make offer to Jeremy Lin | Suns, Dragic reach 4 year deal | ESPN – Suns, Beasley agree to terms |
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