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.

The way things fell into place then, may very well be repeating itself with Detroit’s Greg Monroe.

The Pistons have been saying the right things all summer, like being prepared for any and all scenarios with Monroe, who they have repeatedly said is their top offseason priority.

That in all likelihood may have scared off some teams from putting forth an offer sheet for the restricted free agent.

Still, the longer this plays out, the less leverage Detroit has in retaining him long-term.

That would especially be true if, as reported by USA Today, Monroe has agreed to sign Detroit’s qualifying offer of $5.479 million for this season.

In doing so, Monroe can’t be traded without his consent and more significant, he becomes an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2015.

That is great news for the Celtics, a franchise that for decades has failed repeatedly to land premier free agents aside from the re-signing their own.

Monroe signing a qualifying offer with the Pistons creates realistic hope that next summer, Boston will at the very least be on his short list of teams to consider considering their need and the fact they will have significant salary cap space.

The appeal for both the player (Monroe) and the franchise is undeniable.

CSNNE – Pistons’ Monroe potential 2015 target for Celtics

Once Greg Monroe decided to take the Pistons’ qualifying offer, he became one of the more intriguing free agents for next summer.  They key is that he’ll be unrestricted and that’s good considering the C’s (or any other team) would have had to trade assets to acquire him, then sign him to a max or near max deal.  Sherrod makes a good point that David Falk is his agent, and the C’s already have a trio of Falk’s clients (Sullinger, Green, Turner) so you’d think that Danny Ainge would have an inside track on Monroe.  While that would be nice, it’s not guaranteed.  The Celtics should, however, have the cap space to sign him and even if they wanted to trade for him this year (with a quasi-wink-wink deal) then they could.  It could also be a step in keeping Rajon Rondo long-term, adding another piece that is albeit still young, but old enough to start winning now.  I don’t consider Monroe a true center, but he could easily start at center here and would be another building block to creating a playoff team.

Monroe isn’t a franchise player and he’s not really a max player either, and Falk owes Ainge a favor (you’re welcome Jeff Green) but in reality none of those wishes are likely to come true.  Monroe would be a nice, solid player to add to this team and perhaps Ainge and Brad Stevens are attempting to take a non-superstar approach at building an innovative contender.  Maybe they’re looking at recent trends in getting guys more rest and thus building a team that can frequently sub guys in and out to keep the legs (and the attack) fresh.  After all, there are only so many true superstars available, so why not give it a shot?  Stevens does like interchangeable players, especially ones that can play multiple positions at any time.  It could especially be easier to build and maintain a team like that in terms of the new CBA as well.  Until, of course, that new, rumored TV deal happens and all salary cap issues and problems magically disappear for everyone!  Ok, that won’t happen either, but the way it’s discussed, you’d certainly think that.

I’m also tired of hearing the constant reference how the Celtics can never sign a premiere free agent in his prime.  Ok, tell me this summer, with all of that $$$ available, and some of the biggest names/best players in the league available, how many signed with the Lakers?  How many signed with the other big market, the Knicks? (Melo doesn’t count, he was their own player).  Let’s take it a step further.  Other than Shaq, name me another big time free agent that signed with the Lakers?  I’ll wait.  I could be missing someone, but none come to mind.  So, it’s not so much the market, or the weather (see everyone wanting to join LeBron in CLeveland now) as it is where those stars already are.  The key is getting them first, which are usually done via trade or draft.  So chill on the whole “Boston isn’t a desirable FA location” argument.  Because in that case, neither is LA or New York.

Page 2: The C’s invite Penn State’s Tim Frazier to camp

Congrats to @psufraz23 on joining the #Celtics for training camp. Way to stay #relentless!

— Penn State Hoops (@PennStateMBB) August 19, 2014

SB Nation: BT Powerhouse – Penn State’s Tim Frazier Signs Training Camp Deal with Boston Celtics

Who?!?! Yeah, my thoughts exactly.  Admittedly, I’m not up to snuff on the details of Penn State’s hoops team, but it would appear that the C’s just invited another guard (6’1″) to camp that can’t shoot.  The Celtics are playing NBA monopoly and are clearly building hotels on the Park Place and Boardwalk of guards that can’t shoot.  All kidding aside, he’s likely just another body to have at camp to get some run and give the regulars some rest.  Ahh, August basketball news!

And Finally….

In case you weren’t aware, it’s the 13th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund radio telethon.  It’s one of the most important/amazing events of the year and I encourage all the RedsArmy readers to donate if they can.  We’ve seen for 12 years how generous readers can be, and we’ve seen it again most recently with the ALS Ice Bucket challenge.  Go here to donate.