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.
But sources say the Cavs and Wolves, knowing that league officials are monitoring this transaction closely, have been careful not to make any public acknowledgments that trade details have already been agreed to. That’s because Wiggins remains ineligible to be moved until 30 days pass from the signing of his rookie contract.
The Cavs were granted permission last month by Minnesota to speak to Love and his representatives in an introductory fashion, sources say, while James and Love have also been in direct contact in recent weeks about their long-term intentions of playing together.
On Thursday, Yahoo! Sports reported that the Cavs and Wolves have agreed to a trade in principle and that Love has an agreement to re-sign with the Cavs next summer for five years, $120 million after opting out of his contract.
But sources insist that no agreement for Love to sign an extension in Cleveland next summer — when he can become a free agent — is in place.
In addition, under NBA rules, such an agreement would be illegal, and, if proven, it potentially could be grounds for the league to block this trade and dole out punishment to both teams.
ESPN – LeBron: Love would be key piece
When I watched the brief video clip of LeBron speaking in Akron, I thought it was a bit odd that he would be so open to discuss the Kevin Love trade. Mainly because you rarely hear players, coaches or executives from either team involved in a trade that isn’t technically official, actually acknowledge it. Before we get too crazy about it let’s keep in mind how remote the chances are that the NBA even investigates this, let alone blocks it.
While Adam Silver has already proven to be a solid commissioner early on, I’m not sure he will go all David Stern on the Wolves and Cavs and negate the trade for “basketball reasons” like Stern did with the Chris Paul/LA Lakers trade. Now, if as Windhorst and Stein pointed out, that the Cavs and Love have secretly agreed upon a contract that can’t even be completed until a full year from now, well that’s a different story.
It’s not the first time LeBron has discussed Love going to Cleveland since he announced his own return home. I’m just doubtful that the NBA spends a lot of time and resources investigating it. Not that it should matter, but I’m sure the league is thrilled at the thought of another SuperTeam, especially one spearheaded by LeBron, the face of the NBA. Like it or not, the league thrives when there are SuperTeams, just look historically how popular the league is as a whole when such teams exist.
The Love dream to Boston was fun while it lasted so don’t let this remote chance of a blocked trade re-kindle those thoughts. As Wyc pointed out yesterday, the C’s will have to take the long road back to contention. But as Chuck pointed out, sh*t happens in the NBA quickly, so for now, the asset acquisition phase is still ongoing.
On Page 2, Scal hopes to improve his broadcasting game
Scal has some experience with Tommy Heinsohn and Mike Gorman, and says he’s looking forward to learning from the best.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to learn. Those guys taught me so much that first year about how to be a better broadcaster.”
CSNNE – Scal hopes to develop broadcasting skills
During the dark, rebuilding years, one of the more important things to have as a fan is a good broadcast team when watching (or listening) to games. C’s fans are lucky to have the best in the business on both TV and radio. With Scal’s return, he’ll add to that team. Personally, I thought he was fantastic the first time around, so much so that I thought he’d get hired by one of the national broadcast crews. Scal provided great insight as well as keeping things light and funny at times, a good balance that the best announcers have. I know, I might be reaching for positives, but during the down years this is part of the deal.
And finally… Rondo at Shelvin Mack’s camp, Ainge on vacation golfing in Ireland
Smith and Ainge and BYU golf team hitting the links at Royal Portrush! @MiuraGolfInc #golow pic.twitter.com/Jhu6gqzyod
— Michael Smith (@clippstvsmith) August 9, 2014
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The rest of the links:
Boston Globe – Becky Hammon’s hiring a major step for the NBA (Sunday Notes)
CSNNE – Nets coach: All reports are that KG will return
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