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.
Rajon Rondo’s initial reaction yesterday was to start laughing and say, “Already? That’s crazy what you guys come up with,” when asked about an ESPN report that he will test free agency in the summer of 2015.
But the Celtics point guard, whose market is sure to maximize once he completes his return from ACL surgery, also admitted after practice that the notion of free agency intrigues him. He compared the process to college recruiting, but on a grander scale.
“It is (intriguing),” he said. “I haven’t thought about it. I’ve just thought about getting my leg as strong as possible next summer. It’s kind of like college recruiting, but a lot more money is spent. I’ve heard stories of guys getting calls right at midnight (on July 1 when contracts expire). It’s something I haven’t experienced and may want to go through, but I haven’t thought about it.”
“If Rondo gets back to playing the way he can, then of course he’ll get max dollars,” a league executive said yesterday. “I don’t think Rondo is looking to leave, but how is that team going to be next season? That could be a factor.”
Indeed, if the Celtics land a pair of valuable young players in the draft, the point guard may like how the future looks for this team.
There are a ton of Celtics fan who don’t think Rajon Rondo is worth a max contract. I hate to tell you this, but you are the minority. It amazes me that the guy is appreciated more globally than right here in Boston. Some people just can’t get past the sub-par long distance shooting and free-throws.
Anyhoo… it’s impossible to predict future roster moves until the lottery and draft are played out.
I’m convinced Rondo gets a max contract offer from the Celtics if they land Jabari Parker, Andrew Wiggins or Joel Embiid in the draft. If we are screwed by the draft gods once more, then all bets are off.
Related: CSNNE – Rondo intrigued by FA | Globe – Rondo may want to go thru FA
On Page 2, Avery Bradley will be ready to go on Sunday.
“Right now, I feel like it’s full-range,” Bradley said of the injured ankle. “It could change tomorrow, I just got to take it day-by-day, see how it feels and push it to its limits. Right now it feels good, I just have to continue to get treatment so I’m ready for Sunday.”
Said Celtics coach Brad Stevens: “[Bradley] was good. He was solid. He sat out the last 10 or 15 minutes, but from what I heard, it should be good moving forward.”
It will be fun watching Rondo feed Bradley on those backdoor lay-ups.
FWIW:
The Celtics have decided not to sign Vander Blue to a second 10-day contract, league source tells RealGM. Chance he re-signs post All-Star.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 1, 2014
Related: CSNNE – Bradley’s return provides stability | MassLive: Bradley likely to return
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Hump gets maintenance day | Yahoo! – Pacers sign Bynum
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