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.
Other young big men from the class of 2013 cashed in, like Steven Adams (four years, $100 million), Rudy Gobert (four years, more than $100 million), Gorgui Dieng (four years, $64 million) and Cody Zeller (four years, $56 million). Still, Olynyk understands the Celtics did not want to commit future dollars to him this early in the process because they want to maximize their salary cap flexibility.
“I didn’t expect to get (an extension),” Olynyk said Tuesday after practice. “We’re in a good position as a team here and got some room to do stuff in the offseason. It is what it is.”
The Celtics also were unable to agree on a contract extension with fourth-year forward Kelly Olynyk. Ainge said he met with the 7-footer’s agent Monday, as the sides tried to finalize a deal before the midnight deadline.
Ultimately, though, maintaining salary-cap flexibility that will allow the Celtics to pursue a maximum-contract free agent remained the top priority.
“If we didn’t have max cap flexibility next summer and the possibility to land a superstar-type player, an All-Star-caliber player, it might have been different in our negotiations,” Ainge said. “But because we still are there, with where we are in cap management, there was no reason to rush into it.”
The only surprising news here is that the Celtics actually held negotiations with Kelly Olynyk about an extension. Danny probably threw out some absurdly low number ($7-8 million?), something that won’t curtail his chances of soaking up a max contract and was politely rejected.
I have to imagine Olynyk won’t accept anything short of $14 million per year or what’s now know as Cody Zeller money.
With Kelly’s injury history and his inconsistent play, I’m not sure I’m willing to commit at those dollars. It’s a big year for Kelly.
On Page 2, Jaylen Brown explains the nut-huggers.
“And I said, ‘Give me those. Slide me those,'” Brown said. “So they gave me the mediums.”
Reminded he is 6-foot-7, Brown explained, “They fit well, though. I think a lot of people like them. I don’t really care if they like them or don’t. It’s not for attention. I don’t do it for other people. I like playing in them. I’m not trying to bring the short shorts back. I’m just trying to be as comfortable as I can on the floor, and I’m doing me.”
Brown said he has “always” worn short shorts, including in high school, but didn’t get to don them during his lone season at California because the school failed to honor his request.
“In college they played me,” Brown said with a hint of a smile. “I asked for them, but they didn’t give them to me. They said they couldn’t order them or whatever. I didn’t understand so I was pretty upset at college. But everywhere I’ve always worn short shorts because I felt they were more comfortable. And then I had an opportunity to wear them when I got back here, and took it.”
Brown also says the smaller shorts are less of a hindrance when dribbling between the legs and lighter when soaked in sweat.
I love this kid! Putting common sense before fashion.
Now only if Jae Crowder would cut his hair.
The rest of the links
Herald – IT remembers Ray Allen fondly | Cs vs Bulls means more Crowder vs Butler | ESPN – Allen left complicated legacy in Boston | CSNNE – Celtics vs Bulls preview | Rozier Wade moment reminds IT of Kobe story
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