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“The feeling of me coming back to Boston is mutual, from what I can tell,” Crowder said last week. “I just hope we can get something done. But I do get a good feeling from the team.”
Indeed, Crowder understands that now is also the time to discover his value on the open market, regardless of his desire to remain a Celtic.
“Of course you want to find out what your value might be,” Crowder said after a momentary hesitation. “Time will tell that. I’m talking to my people and others, and everything will eventually show. My worth will be revealed.
“But I’m confident in myself and my team.”
By “team,” he means the Celtics. Though he shot a career-low 28 percent from 3-point range as his shots increased after joining the Celtics for the last 57 games of the season, Crowder remains convinced that the best opportunity of his three-season career is at hand.
He admittedly wants the free agency process to end rapidly.
“Free agency is approaching quickly, and I’m sure I’ll be talking to Danny soon,” he said. “As I’ve told you guys, the second half of the season was something special to be a part of. I saw it as something that was going in the right direction for me.”
The Celtics want Jae Crowder back in Boston. Jae Crowder wants back in Boston. What could go wrong?
For starters, resigning Crowder is NOT the Celtics #1 priority. The #1 priority is to secure franchise players.
If Trader Danny is able to fill 1 or 2 of those slots, then Crowder suddenly becomes less important. Maybe his worth to the Celtics slips below market value.
Crowder sounds like he’s prepared for that scenario. He’s optimistic about a return, but guarded.
On Page 2, Rajon Rondo might have to settle for Sacramento.
A darkhorse location for Rajon Rondo in free agency is Sacramento, where the Kings are entering a pivotal year in their franchise and could use a bona fide point guard. Darren Collison, coming off hip surgery, is the team’s scheduled starter for next season. Rondo, who didn’t appear interested in going to the Kings a few years ago, could use the club as a springboard to perhaps a larger contract if he signs a one-year deal. Rondo is also close friends with Kings forward Rudy Gay.
With nearly every trade rumor involving Boston and Sacramento over the last few years, there was word that Rondo would never resign with the Kings.
A lot has changed for Rondo. His value has plummeted. Gone are the dreams of a max contract with a big market, contending team.
Not only is he going to have to settle for a one year deal, but he’ll be lucky to have multiple offers.
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