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 before they can even begin to fathom the details, the Celtics had
to make one huge decision: Do they keep it together or do they blow it
up?
They have decided on the former, according to sources. From that, the
map becomes more clear. The Celtics will try to add to their core with a
mid-level exception free agent and a draft pick, and trades will be
explored, as well.
There is growing confidence that Rivers will stay on and complete his
contract…
Herald – Celtics of future could look familar
If you trust the sources of Steve Bulpett, Doc Rivers will be back and the Celtics will reload rather than rebuild. Provided they get the right pieces to supplement the core, I am perfectly fine with that decision.
The future of Doc Rivers will likely be the first question answered.
Paul Pierce comes next, as he needs to decide by June 30th if he will opt-out.
The Celtics will want a definitive answer about retirement from Rasheed Wallace before the free-agency period begins July 1.
Ray and Tony Allen are the team's key free agents. The team owns their Bird Rights which means they can go over the salary cap to resign them.
On Page 2, a quick look at the Celtics salaries and salary cap situation.
Paul Pierce – $21.5 million
Kevin Garnett – $18.8 million
Rajon Rondo – $9 million
Rasheed Wallace – $6.3 million
Kendrick Perkins – $4.9 million
Glen Davis – $3.3 million
Total – $63.8 million
With just six players under contract, the Celtics are already over the cap (in the $58 million range). If they can sign Ray and TA to reasonable contracts ($12 million combined?), that will put them at $75 million and 8 players. Remember, they can go over the cap with those signings because of the Bird Rights rule. If they don't want Ray and TA, there is the option of a sign-and-trade… I think.
Left at their disposal are the mid-level ($5.8 million), the bi-annual ($2 million), and the rookie scale contract for the 1st round pick… which brings the total to 11 players.
In the end, the owners will probably spend what they spent this season – $84 million. The key contracts will be the MLE, bi-annual and the rookie (#19). Danny Ainge cannot afford to miss on any of these signings.
If Sheed retires, the Celtics will not gain an extra MLE, according to
Chris Forsberg. If Pierce opts out, then ignore everything you just read because that changes the game significantly.
The rest of the links:
Globe – Makeover may not look like much | Drive ran out of gas (Ryan) | Herald – Waiting at Doc River's office | Under appreciated Doc makes critics look foolish | ESPN Boston – Doc status unclear | WEEI – Aftermath of Finals roundup | SI.com – 5 consequences for Lakers/Celtics |
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