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.
Miami, already sexy enough as a destination, is the supermodel asking Allen to run away with her. Boston is the old ball-and-chain.
Oh sure, the Celtics have lost some weight, gotten a haircut and are promising to get their figure back to where it used to be. But you get the feeling the Celtics are fighting a bit of an uphill battle, even if they shouldn’t be. They put themselves in this position, their actions last season perhaps making Allen uncomfortable enough to wonder if the grass is greener somewhere else.
Boston is doing all it can to ease Allen’s fears. The Boston Herald reported this week that the Celtics would consider offering a no-trade clause (only two others exist in the league) or a trade kicker (giving Allen a salary boost if they trade him away). You can’t help but wonder if the Celtics will resort to adding a third year or more money to further prove their desire, though they are starting to dance dangerously close to the tax threshold and it’s hard to imagine them paying too much more when their offer already is double that of their presumed chief competitor.
At some point, Boston has to ask itself a question: Is it worth fighting for someone who just might not want to be here any more? Are the Celtics willing to spend $6 million on Allen next season just because they can and because there’s no easy way to replace his value? Would Boston be this interested in retaining his services if it wasn’t their main Eastern Conference rival trying to woo him away?
ESPN Boston: Is Ray Allen sold on the Celtics?
Chris Forsberg absolutely nails the Ray Allen saga in those four paragraphs.
At some point, if Ray Allen is insistent on leaving, you just have to let him leave. If he wants to go to Miami that badly, don’t screw yourself by going overboard to sign him.
Still we await the dramatic conclusion of this soap opera. And to add suspense, here are grainy photos of Ray Allen meeting with Heat reps in some restaurant:
OMG!! (cue dramatic hamster!)
Like I explained yesterday, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world financially if he leaves. Yes, it would suck to watch him go to the Heat, but at this point we should probably just hope they don’t know how to use him and he gets pissed off.
But nothing’s a done deal yet… so we wait.
The rest of the links:
CSNNE: Blakely: “I would be very surprised if Ray comes back” | Bass looking forward to winning championships with the Celtics | ESPN Boston: Rapid reaction: Bass is back | Herald: Ray Allen makes Heat wave | Bass talks about his new deal | Globe: Celtics lock up Bass | MWDN: Celtics file extension for 3 year championship window | Deadspin: Miami TV station reports fake Ray signing
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