Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
According to all sources, Danny Ainge still has affection for Love, but it’s not nearly the borderline obsession that it was last summer.
…
And from all indications, Love is not seen as a foundational player upon whom to build. Further, sources say his knee issues are bound to have an impact on his basketball longevity and effectiveness.
“I think he wants to be in a good situation,” said one league exec from outside this area. “But I also think he’s concerned about his health, so he wants to get a good long-term contract. I still think he stays in Cleveland.”
…
The Celtics will very likely wind up an afterthought as Love examines his options in the next two months, but a source with direct knowledge insists the club does hold interest for the All-Star forward.
But where last summer the C’s were perfectly fine with throwing picks and players at Minnesota for Love and then giving him a large contract extension when allowed, they are said to be more careful this time around.
Wow… that’s quite the sour take on Kevin Love. “Not seen as a foundational player” and “knee issues” are two phrases potential free agents do not want to see linked to their resume.
As Bulpett explains, the interest in Love last year had a lot to do with opportunity. Danny Ainge had the chance to add a top-tier player who he believed would fit with other players on the roster.
But the roster has changed and so has the team’s flexibility. There are different avenues and more options.
In other words, Kevin Love is no longer the only girl at the dance.
Around the league, there’s talk the Knicks interest in Cameron Payne has them considering trading down from the 4th spot in the draft:
League sources with knowledge of the team’s thinking say the Knicks are doing more than their due diligence by working out Payne; they are “serious” about considering him in the draft, those sources say.
Payne is widely viewed as a player who will be taken in the middle-to-late first round. So the Knicks’ interest in Payne and, to a lesser degree, their interest in Willie Cauley-Stein, is a sign that they are at least considering trading down from No. 4.
Both Knicks president Phil Jackson and GM Steve Mills have said that the organization would consider all of its options with the pick, including the possibility of trading down.
I’m intrigued with the idea of the Celtics moving up to nab Cauley-Stein. But even if the Celtics put together a package that interested Phil Jackson, would the Knicks want to fall all the way back to #16?
Doubtful but never underestimate the ineptitude of the Knicks front office.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Brace for a crazy free agency
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
