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.
There’s also a timeline restriction on Marcus Thornton and Tyler Zeller. Either one can be sent out in a trade by themselves at any time. However, if the Celtics wish to package them in a trade, they’ll have to wait until Sept. 10th (two months after the trade from the Nets was made official) to do so.
Before we get fired up for fireworks it is worth noting that the Celtics were paid a first rounder just to take Thornton’s salary. That salary could be used for matching up numbers in a larger trade package or it might just be an expiring contract that the Celtics allow to expire after the season.
Still, even if the Celtics don’t make a larger deal, there’s a better than good chance that they’ll pull of some kind of small, cleaning-up-the-books deal as camp approaches.
CelticsBlog – Still a chance for Celtics trades or transactions
I find myself messing with ESPN’s trade machine at least once a day, which is where I first realized Thornton was only able to be sent out alone until September 10th. With that being only five days away, and with the Celtics already deep enough at shooting guard, I’d expect Ainge to at least kick the tires on a Marcus Thornton-plus-others swap. One theory that had come to mind is a straight up swap for Kendrick Perkins, which of course wouldn’t have required us waiting. OKC’s been interested in dumping him, and there were even talks of amnesty-ing him when that was an option. For us, we wouldn’t be getting the same Kendrick Perkins we know and love — but it’d be taking a good step in appealing to Rondo’s interest if there isn’t a star available this season. Plus with Perk coming off the bench, we’d still have time to develop Zeller and give Faverani some minutes too.
Of course talent-wise, there’s probably a far better deal out there. Thornton’s a known sparkplug and his contract is expiring. I could see him being an interesting piece for Detroit, as Van Gundy tries to re-create his Orlando offense of a star center surrounded by three-point shooters. Maybe Thornton Jeff Green, and a pick. for a Greg Monroe sign and trade? I have a feeling Detroit fans would hate that scenario, but with Monroe being able to veto any trade after he accepts his qualifying offer on the rookie deal, the Pistons may not hold much leverage in S&T negotiations.
Related Links – Reasons to be thinking about Thornton
Page 2: KG takes in some tennis
KG smiling? Weird RT @cjzero: Kevin Garnett and his wife at the US Open, ESPN disses Brooklyn Nets pic.twitter.com/ZASggzzYhn
— Paul Flannery (@Pflanns) September 5, 2014
Doesn’t look like he’s in too much of a rush to get back to Brooklyn (Can’t blame him). Maybe he’ll retire and join Stevens’ staff as a defensive/intensity specialist.
The rest of the links:
Grantland – B.S Report: Zach Lowe and Joe House | Wingspan and a Prayer: Trying to Decipher the Massive Promise of Utah’s Rudy Gobert
CelticsBlog – High Five with Matt Moore of CBS Sports
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