Your Morning Dump... Where Evan Turner knows he's a candidate to be traded

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.

The 6-foot-6 wing will make $3.4 million before hitting the free agent market next summer. He has a very movable contract, something Turner is well aware of…

“I like Boston, I like the town and the city; the restaurants are pretty good too,” Turner said. “I like Boston; I genuinely would like to stay here. I’ve been places where I hated it.”

Having played previously in Philadelphia and Indiana (Turner wouldn’t say which city he hated, but safe money is on Philly), Turner had the kind of on-the-floor freedom in Boston that he never experienced before.

It was a factor in him averaging a career-high 5.5 assists last season along with making a slew of game-winning plays either scoring or finding a teammate for a score…

“Even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar got traded,” Turner said. “It is what it is. I definitely would love to stay here. But Danny (Ainge, Boston’s president of basketball operations) has to do what’s best for the organization and leave it at that.”

CSNNE

I’m feeling sorry for Evan Turner. He loves Boston, but I’m not sure Boston loves him back. And by that I mean, Turner is just not part of the plan.

Here’s the rub, if ET is still on this roster at the end of the season it’s because a) someone was injured or b) someone failed to develop as hoped.

Turner’s natural position is small forward, but the Celtics didn’t give Jae Crowder $35 million to sit on the bench. Crowder should see a significant bump in minutes (20 to 30+ mpg). Jonas Jerebko and his 3-point bombs are also lurking.

Turner stole minutes last year from Boston’s guards. But with Isaiah Thomas here for a full season, expectations higher for Young and Smart, and the additions of 1st rounders Hunter and Rozier, there shouldn’t be a need for Turner.

Maybe Turner settles in as Crowder’s back-up. His veteran presence and versatility bring value to any team. But I still think he’s a better fit on a veteran team.

Related links: Herald – Turner finds happy place | ESPN – How Turner got his mojo back

On Page 2, introducing the tag-team champs of Waltham…

During the short portion of Monday’s practice reporters were allowed to watch, the Celtics worked on transition scenarios.

They did 2-on-1s first, then 3-on-2s. As one would expect given the numbers advantage, the offense scored most of the time — and sometimes with power dunks, like the one Tyler Zeller delivered over Jordan Mickey (welcome to the show, rook). But just before the curtain closed to shut out reporters, the tandem of Jae Crowder and Amir Johnson strung together a bunch of consecutive stops. As the streak grew, Crowder celebrated with a batch of taunts.

“We’re gonna be here all (bleeping) day,” he yelled after one.

Always competitive, Crowder boosted the Celtics last season. Johnson could do the same this year. It’s early in camp, but the 28-year-old big man’s defense has drawn consistently positive reviews.

Mass Live

Up next, the Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff.

And finally…. example 257 why Paul Pierce is old school.

Gortat on what he learned from Paul Pierce: “Not to wear LeBron James’s shoes to practice.” He mentioned some other things, too.

— Jorge Castillo (@jorgeccastillo) September 28, 2015