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 Boston Celtics have engaged the Cleveland Cavaliers about acquiring the No. 1 pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft but no deal is imminent, according to CSNNE.com’s A. Sherrod Blakely.
If the Celtics do somehow land the top pick, they would likely choose between Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker. Blakely’s sources tell him they would lean toward the former.
But Cleveland won’t surrender the No. 1 pick cheaply, and already reportedly have other strong offers to choose from. According to ESPN, the Magic are willing to part ways with Arron Afflalo, the No. 4 pick and the No. 12 pick. It’s tough to see Boston exceeding that offer without including star point guard Rajon Rondo — and the Cavaliers’ best player, Kyrie Irving, plays the same position.
Masslive – Boston Celtics have inquired about obtaining number one pick
Not too surprising to hear Ainge at least picking up the phone to Cleveland. Between LeBron James’ free agency, blowing last year’s top pick, and being expected to draft Wiggins or Parker (who would potentially overlap with James), trading the pick may make some sense. It’d be a gamble for Cleveland, as LeBron seems more likely to return to Miami to form a discounted super team. That said, there are offers worth considering. Unfortunately, the Celtics are likely the worst of those offers.
Orlando reportedly offered the fourth pick, 12th pick, and Arron Afflalo for the first, and Utah’s offered the fifth pick and Derrick Favors. Any Celtics deal would likely include the sixth and 17th pick, along with a young player like Sullinger or Olynyk. Sound a lot like the Love trade? I’m not sure Danny Ainge would really be willing to part with the following just to have a chance to draft first in a class of players he’d defined as overrated — but who knows how he truly values the top players at this point.
For Cleveland, they’d be adding a power-forward in Sullinger or Olynyk and could then take the sixth pick to further bolster their frontcourt. The trade is incredibly unlikely, as it largely hinges on the ability of them to sign LeBron, and that’s something that won’t happen before draft night. But (though if there’s any team in the NBA who should be afraid of owning the first pick — it’ Cleveland).
So if we pulled off a trade for the first pick, how would you spend it? Jabari or Wiggins? Trade it for Kevin Love?
Page 2: Brian Scalabrine may be joining Doc’s staff
Source: Scalabrine to Join Clippers Staff: Brian Scalabrine is a candidate to join Doc Rivers’ staff as an ass… http://t.co/KxCPI5FcfB
— Basketball Insiders (@BBallInsiders) June 25, 2014
“Brian Scalabrine is a candidate to join Doc River’s staff as an ass.” You do you, Scal. But good for him. Mark Jackson’s reign in Golden State led to Scal being banished from the bench and forced to watch D-Leauge games. Brining in Steve Kerr would probably result in returning to the bench, but if he’s got a chance to join Doc in LA, I can’t see why he wouldn’t inquire. I’m not too familiar with the rules behind contracts for assistants and scouts. For example: it seems odd to me that the Celtics let Ron Adams meet with the Warriors and ultimately leave while he was still under contract here.
Doc did just lost Tyronn Lue to Cleveland, so Scal could very well help cover that loss if this does follow through.
The Rest of the links –
CSNNE – What would Ainge do if he had the number one pick? – Where will LeBron James go? – Gasper: Cavs insane if they trade first pick
Grantland – Ready for Love or time to Klay? – NBA Draft Confidential
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