Atlantic Notes: Deron Williams, Prigioni, Celtics
While optimists in Dallas believe that the chances of signing Deron Williams are 50-50, Ken Berger of CBS Sports writes that the Mavericks are becoming increasingly worried that their prized free agent target will re-sign with the Nets. On Sunday, we mentioned that Brooklyn can offer a $100 MM extension over five years, whereas Dallas can offer $75 MM over four. Here are more of this evening's rumblings out of the Atlantic Division…
NBA Grants Celtics 2013 Second-Round Pick
The NBA has granted the Celtics a 2013 second-round pick from the Thunder in a dispute over Jeff Green's medical condition, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter). The Celtics filed a complaint with the league when Green missed the 2011/12 season due to a heart condition, less than a year after Boston acquired the forward from Oklahoma City (Twitter link).
Sixers, Wolves, Celtics Pursuing Jamal Crawford
Although Jamal Crawford was planning to opt out of his contract, he extended his decision deadline for his player option two weeks, until June 29th. This move allows the Trail Blazers to try to find a suitable trade partner for Crawford on or before draft night. If the Blazers find a destination Crawford likes, he could agree to exercise his player option and be dealt. And according to Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com, there's no lack of trade interest in Crawford. The Blazers are fielding offers from a number of teams, with the 76ers, Timberwolves, and Celtics among the most active suitors.
Atlantic Notes: Knicks, Nash, Raptors, Celtics
Today's bird rights ruling for the players' union will have a massive effect on this summer's free agent market and is great news for several teams, including the Knicks. Now with extra flexibility, Frank Isola of the New York Daily News suggests that the club could split the mid-level exception to re-sign J.R. Smith and make a run at Jason Kidd. Here's more on the Knicks and the rest of the Atlantic Division..
Ford On Pistons, Bucks, Lamb, White, Rockets
We've already linked one Friday piece from ESPN.com's Chad Ford in our daily Draft Updates post, but Ford is back with another Insider-only column full of draft news and rumors. Here are his newest items on the Pistons, Bucks, Rockets, and more….
Celtics Rumors: Garnett, Allen, Pietrus, Bass
The Celtics may have not looked like a championship-caliber team for a good chunk of the 2011/12 season, but the end-of-season results were hard to argue. Unlike the Thunder, the Celtics managed to stretch their series against the Heat to seven games before falling to the eventual champs. Given how close Boston got to the Finals, a total rebuild this summer appears very unlikely. GM Danny Ainge continues to discuss his team's future in interviews, so here's the latest from Ainge on the Celtics' offseason:
Draft Updates: Thursday
All eyes tonight will be on Game 5 of the NBA Finals, as the Thunder look to stave off elimination in Miami, but exactly one week from now, we'll be gearing up for the 2012 draft. The first draft-related trade of the month was finalized yesterday, when the Wizards sent the No. 46 overall pick to the Hornets along with Rashard Lewis as part of a three-player swap. Will we see another deal consummated today? We'll keep track of the day's latest draft news and rumors right here, with the newest items added up top….
- Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com wonders whether Royce White's decision to pull out of his remaining workout has to do with an injury or his fear of flying instead of a promise from the Celtics (Twitter link). Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune pegs White as a candidate to be picked at No. 18 by the Wolves, and lists the second-round hopefuls the team will be working out Friday.
- Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal sizes up Andrew Nicholson and the chances he'll go to the Cavs at pick No. 24.
- Chad Ford of ESPN.com has tweaked his mock draft in the wake of the latest developments (Insider link).
Earlier updates:
Celtics Form Partnership With Maine Red Claws
JUNE 21ST, 9:14am: The Celtics made their partnership with the Red Claws official today, announcing the agreement in a press release. The single-affiliation hybrid partnership will take effect for the 2012/13 season.
JUNE 16TH, 12:45pm: The Celtics are the latest NBA team to take over the basketball operations of their D-League affiliate, Scott Schroeder of Ridiculous Upside reports, as they're nearing a deal to form a "hybrid partnership" with the Maine Red Claws. Presumably, this means the Red Claws will become solely an affiliate of the Celtics and end their relationship with the Sixers and Bobcats.
Danny Ainge Talks Garnett, Celtics Future
Speaking on Boston's WEEI Radio this afternoon, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge answered several questions regarding where his team plans to attack free agency this offseason. Not surprisingly, Kevin Garnett was a major talking point.