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.
Multiple teams have been told to expect Durant’s decision Monday. Hearing more and more it won’t be based on money. https://t.co/XZ9zRWYr2c
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) July 3, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsWe’ll get to the money part in a bit, but, first, he has to be considering the Thunder — the franchise and its following. Durant is, by all accounts, a loyal person, which has to make it difficult on some level to walk away from Oklahoma City. The club got within a game of the Western Conference finals, and even with at least some uncertainty with its offseason moves, there is no reason to believe the Thunder won’t be back in contention and likely even better next season.
And while it’s understandable that Al Horford would find the fan support in Boston more attractive than that in Atlanta, there is no such issue with the good and rowdy people of Oklahoma.
As much as Greenhearts are praying hard for KD to come to Boston, they should also be able to empathize with the sporting heartbreak that occurs when a star files for divorce.
Players pine for good situations. Durant already has one.
Herald – Bulpett: This is no easy decision for Kevin Durant
We get it, this is a life-changing decision for Durant. But it’s stressful for us, too. We’ve been checking Twitter continuously all weekend while Durant has processed all the pitches, information, emotional appeals, economic factors and, perhaps most important, the anticipated effects on his ultimate legacy as an NBA all-timer.
All day yesterday, fans and sports media speculated and pleaded for Durant to make up his mind. Unsurprisingly, there have been rumors galore. Who should we believe?
From what I understand, it’s Thunder versus Warriors for Durant.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) July 4, 2016
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Durant is still seriously considering Celtics after their pitch made a favorable impression https://t.co/UfkFuqRPoC https://t.co/UfkFuqRPoC
— A. Sherrod Blakely (@SherrodbCSN) July 4, 2016
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Key question for Celts’ pursuit of Durant is how much Horford signing means to him. Source says it was between OKC and GS before that deal.
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) July 4, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsKD will probably announce his choice via Twitter and a post on The Players’ Tribune. Here are my expectations for our reaction to Durant’s decision:
- He could come to Boston, carve a new legacy, and obviously be loved by Celtics fans.
- If he does not choose Boston, most Cs fans will understand that it was a longshot and won’t hold it against him – as long as he returns to OKC.
- If he instead selects San Antonio, we’ll be unhappy, but we’ll accept that he wants to play for Popovich.
- If he goes to Miami, we’ll hate him, no doubt about it.
- The worst will be if Durant chooses Golden State. That will damage the league’s competitive balance – hell, the Warriors won 73 games and probably would be repeat champs if Draymond had resisted hitting guys in the nuts. Moreover, KD to GS will be viewed by fans league-wide as LeBron to Miami 2.0. Maybe not as harshly, because no ridiculous TV special is planned, but Durant will still be slammed as another top player who bailed on his home team fans and took a shortcut to chase rings.
We’ll know soon.
Related: MassLive – Kevin Durant rumors: Boston Celtics have ‘fingers crossed’ as final decision draws near
On Page 2: Celtics play tonight
Whatever happens today, there is Celtics basketball to watch tonight as the Summer League squad will tip off against Philadelphia at 7 p.m. Eastern time. It will be the first opportunity to peep Jaylen Brown in green, and he’ll be facing none other than Ben Simmons. Could be the beginning of a new rivalry.
It appears the games will be televised on both CSNNE and NBA TV, but check your local listings. Boston’s game schedule, roster and more info can be found here on NBA.com.
Related: CSNNE – Talented Celtics Summer League Players Determined To Embrace Their Roles
On Page 3: Rondo joins the Bulls
Multiple outlets are reporting that the Bulls have agreed to a two-year deal with Rondo, who led the league in assists this season at 11.7 per game. The second year of the contract is only partially guaranteed. You have to wonder if this can get Butler on board with what’s happening in this franchise.[…]
Chicago is also losing Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah this summer, but the acquisition of Lopez on a cheaper deal at least lessens the blow of those veteran departures. But the addition of Rondo and not being able to make progress with more expensive, better options in the free agent market will be a tough sell to Butler. The move is likely all about the Bulls maintaining cap flexibility moving forward. They aren’t over-committing to future deals and can possibly make a run later. But a wasted year is a wasted year for Butler no matter how you slice it.
CBS Sports – Bulls agree to sign Rondo, and Jimmy Butler can’t be happy
We never forget former Celtics, especially those who stirred up so much fan love/hate like Rajon Rondo. It’s strange that Sacramento did not seek to re-sign Rondo, seeing as how Darren Collison happens to be in trouble with the law. But that’s the Kings for you.
Anyway, if the Celtics don’t get Durant, possibly Rondo can help us:
Maybe he frustrates Jimmy Butler into asking for a trade. https://t.co/YhdHdAsRFV
— Chuck M. (@RedsArmy_Chuck) July 3, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsAnd, finally: IT is awesome
Thomas admits the thought has occurred to him — that by the new standards he is grossly underpaid. And he accepts this horrible case of timing.
“It’s always in the back of your head as a player,” the Celtics guard said last week, “and you’re seeing what guys are going to be making. […]
That hasn’t stopped Thomas from leading the team’s recruitment of premier talents.
“Hopefully we can get those other pieces that can take us to the other level,” he said. “…The better my team does, at the end of the day the more money I get.”
Herald – NBA Notebook: Isaiah Thomas accepts fact that his deal is now dwarfed by new NBA standard
The more we hear about Isaiah, the more clear it becomes that he’s all-in for the Celtics franchise. What a tremendous attitude he has. No wonder he’s always smiling from ear to ear. As the Celtics continue to improve, we’re going to love him more than ever. And if the team gains more national recognition and TV exposure this season, it’s not hard to imagine IT becoming one of the most popular players in the entire NBA.
The Rest of the Links:
Boston.com – Al Horford signing caps an unforgettable day, even by Celtics standards
Herald – Al Horford an icon in Atlanta for reasons
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