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 Celtics met with free agent center Al Horford on Friday night, according to multiple league sources, and a league source who was familiar with the gathering said the meeting went very well, and that the belief is that Boston has a “good chance” of signing the four-time All-Star.
According to sources, the Celtics’ delegation included team executives as well as Celtics All-Star Isaiah Thomas and forward Jae Crowder. On Friday, former Celtics guard Evan Turner told the Globe that in recent conversations, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge “seemed confident” about signing Horford.
The Vertical reported late Friday night that Horford met with four teams on Friday, including the Wizards and the Rockets, and that a decision was expected this weekend.
When the Atlanta Hawks agreed to a reported three-year, $70.5 million contract with Dwight Howard and a four-year, $70 million deal with free agent swingman Kent Bazemore on Friday, it seemed that Horford would no longer be in Atlanta’s plans. But ESPN reported that the team was involved in trade talks to free up extra salary cap space if an agreement could be reached with Horford.
I’ll be honest, the longer this takes, the more nervous I get. Horford should be jumping at the chance to play for Brad Stevens, alongside Isaiah Thomas and in front of the greatest fans on the planet. Amirite?
We assumed the signing of Howard and Bazemore meant the Hawks were out of the Horford bidding, but now it appears they are trying to make it work. There’s talk of moving Paul Millsap to Phoenix for draft picks. Atlanta can also clear space by moving Tiago Splitter, Thabo Sefolosha and Tim Hardaway Jr.
The Rockets and Wizards shouldn’t be underestimated (although there’s been little buzz about either of them actually landing Horford), and we can’t count out Oklahoma City.
Related: Herald – Cs interest in Horford not dependent on Durant | CSNNE – Cs emerge as front runners for Horford
On page 2, Danny Ainge is dressed to impress Kevin Durant.
I wonder what my dad was thinking about during my engagement party tonight @KDTrey5 @danielrainge #KDtoBoston pic.twitter.com/p7zPegtElu
— Cooper Ainge (@coop3ainge) July 1, 2016
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Really, Cooper? You had to host your engagement party on the first night of free agency? God damnit boy, let your father focus.
The Spurs and Celtics are meeting today with Kevin Durant’s camp in the Hamptons.
Gulp. No pressure.
The rest of the links
Herald – Turner sad to leave Boston, but thrilled with Portland payday |
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