Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Comment

November 18

Boston Globe

"With the Celtics having lost three of their past five games, and their lineup struggling with outside shooting, rumors are beginning to surface about potential trades. While the Philadelphia 76ers are looking to rid themselves of the underachieving Samuel Dalembert and the Sacramento Kings are seeking to deal the disgruntled Kenny Thomas, the Celtics have been rumored to be part a three-way deal that would send Tony Allen, Brian Scalabrine, and J.R. Giddens out of Boston and net them the Kings' Andres Nocioni. An ESPN report said there have been discussions to send Allen, Scalabrine, and Thomas to Philadelphia and Giddens to Sacramento along with Dalembert while the Celtics would get the ..."

Paul Pierce up for practice

Comment

November 18

Boston Herald

"Here's a partial list of irresistible forces: Nor'easters and the New England coast. Jeff Beck and the guitar. Paul Pierce and the floor. Though Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Monday that Pierce was being held out until tonight's Garden game against the Golden State Warriors as a precautionary measure for the captain's sprained left knee, those good intentions went for naught. Just as Pierce talked his way into Saturday's loss to the Pacers in Indiana, he insisted on a full run in yesterday's practice. "I got a good response from my last couple of days of rest," Pierce said. "I felt good about it. It went smooth. A slight sprain in the knee, but I'm a fast healer. I felt good. . . . My body ..."

Pierce's plays through the pain

Comment

November 14

Boston Herald

"Paul Pierce has always been good at hiding his injuries, and playing through the pain. As such, it took a significant ding to send the captain to the locker room last night with 3:15 left in the third quarter of the Celtics' 97-86 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. He returned at the start of the fourth and scored six of his 24 points during the last 12 minutes, when Pierce also made his only two turnovers. But even he isn't sure about the condition of his left knee. "It's a little tender," he said of what has been called a bruised knee by the Celtics medical staff. "I'm just going to wait and see how it feels when it cools down. On the play, I was falling and my foot got stepped on. "I sort of ..."

'Big Baby' wants to play in NFL

Comment

November 5

ESPN.com

"Glen "Big Baby" Davis has no regrets about choosing basketball over football. That's because he's achieved success and a championship with the Boston Celtics -- and also because he doesn't believe his days on the football field are over. Davis, the Celtics' 6-foot-9, 290-pound forward, said he eventually wants to play in the NFL. "I will try it," said Davis, who's on the injured list for six weeks with a broken right thumb sustained in a fight. "When I become an All-Star in the NBA, when I become a great player in the NBA, then I'll try football. One of my dreams has always been to play football." Davis was a terrific two-way football player at University Laboratory High School in Baton ..."

Rajon Rondo, Celtics reach big extension

Comment

November 3

Boston Herald

"If the situation regarding Rajon Rondo [stats]'s contract extension was a waiting game, then the fourth-year point guard won. And he hopes the Celtics [team stats] did, too. His willingness to wait on the Celts to hit his number - or wait until he hit the free agent market next summer if they did not - paved the way for the sides to agree to a five-year, $55 million extension that will kick in next season. That Rondo did not try to hit the lottery that could have been there when he became a restricted free agent made his demands not so demanding for the Celtics. "You could say that," Rondo said when asked about leaving money on the table, "but I don't want to be greedy. I'm thankful for ..."

Rajon Rondo, Celtics agree on extension

Comment

November 2

Boston Herald

"The Celtics and Rajon Rondo have agreed on a contract extension that will pay the 23-year-old point guard some $55 million over five years, beginning with the 2010-11 season, a source confirmed to the Herald early this morning. The same source cautioned, however, that the pact is not yet completed. There are still details to be worked out, and although they are not expected to get in the way of securing Rondo's future in Boston, "it's not a done deal yet," said a person close to the negotiation. Celtics director of basketball operations Danny Ainge and Rondo's agent, Bill Duffy, reached the agreement on the numbers some time after last night's 97-87 victory over the New Orleans Hornets."

Celtics fine Baby

Comment

November 1

Boston Herald

"The Celtics decided to fine Glen Davis - not suspend him - because they want him to stay around the team. But as that was being made official last night, the disconnect was evident. Big Baby was in a room talking about making better decisions when out in the hallway, his teammates could be heard in their pregame ritual. The three shouts of "hoo-rah" followed by one, "ubuntu" could be heard as Davis waxed contrite. Davis' fight with a former high-school teammate resulted in a broken right thumb and surgery that will cost him some six weeks of the season. The fine was not disclosed, but according to sources it should wind up being in the low six figures. Had the Celts stayed with the ..."

Celts, Rondo still talking

Comment

November 1

ESPN.com

"Although the past few days have been mostly quiet on the contract front for Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo, both sides are expected to connect Sunday for one last attempt to come together on a new deal before Monday's deadline for contract extensions for members of the 2006 draft class, according to sources close to the process. The annual deadline for such extensions is Oct. 31 every season but was moved to Monday at 11:59 p.m. by the NBA because Halloween fell on a Saturday. League rules stipulate that the deadline moves to the next possible business day if it coincides with a Saturday, Sunday or national holiday. Rondo's camp appeared prepared to scrap the idea of further talks and ..."

Rajon Rondo talk not cheap

Comment

October 28

Boston Herald

"Rajon Rondo's negotiations with the Celtics are far from finished, according to most of the parties involved. Though agent Bill Duffy was quoted yesterday in a Yahoo report saying Rondo wouldn't sign with the Celtics by Saturday's deadline, Duffy actually met with general manager Danny Ainge before last night's season opener between the team and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The agent refused comment but acknowledged he was about to meet Ainge. "To me, it's all about negotiating," Ainge said of Duffy's comments. "If he says he won't talk to me, then he won't, but he hasn't told me it's over." According to two league sources, the Celtics have increased their offer to Rondo, who is seeking a ..."

Davis is out indefinitely

Comment

October 27

Boston Globe

"Celtics forward Glen Davis sustained a broken thumb Sunday night in an altercation with a former college teammate, according to a league source. Another league source confirmed the injury will require surgery and will keep Davis out indefinitely. Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said yesterday he "would not confirm or deny'' reports surrounding the injury."

Glen Davis' thumb hurt in off-court scrap

Comment

October 27

Boston Herald

"Glen Davis' season has taken a bad turn in an entirely regrettable incident. The third-year forward could be lost to the Celtics for an extended period after injuring his right thumb in a private altercation with a friend, according to sources. The Celts were saying officially yesterday that Big Baby had suffered an undetermined hand injury and had been sent for X-rays. But sources said there is some type of fracture in the thumb and that he will have to undergo further testing with specialists to determine whether there is greater damage that could necessitate surgery. The injury occurred Sunday night during the incident between Davis and a former teammate, who had flown up from ..."

Big Baby needs surgery

Comment

October 27

Boston Globe

"Celtic president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said he "would not confirm or deny" circumstances surrounding the injury sustained by forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis, who will miss the first part of the regular season with a hand injury. According to a league source, Davis has a broken thumb and will require surgery. Davis, who missed practice this afternoon and did not travel with the team to Cleveland for tomorrow night's opener, was injured during a fight, according to a report by the Herald's Steve Bulpett. According to the report, Davis was injured defending himself in an altercation with a former teammate who was visiting from Louisiana and could be sidelined for an extended ..."

Agent: Rondo won't sign new deal

Comment

October 27

Boston Globe

"A meeting between Bill Duffy, the agent for Rajon Rondo, and Celtics GM Danny Ainge apparently netting nothing but major difference in how each side perceives Rondo's worth. Duffy, according to Yahoo! Sports, wanted Rondo amongst the top 5 highest paid point guards while the Celtics didn't feel that strongly. That means unless the two sides suddenly close the gap and reach agreement on deal by Friday, Rondo will be a restricted free agent at season's end, leaving the guard open to ponder offers from other clubs. The Celtics will have the right to match any offer."

Ray Allen suffers minor eye injury

Comment

October 25

Boston Globe

"At first, Doc Rivers thought Ray Allen was playing around. It was a run-of-the-mill handoff drill. Allen was supposed to take the ball from Kendrick Perkins. Next thing Rivers knew, Allen was on the ground grabbing his eye. "It was a post pass and cut,'' Rivers said. "Perk was supposed to hand off low and Perk was going to fake it and go high. Unfortunately, he did it too late. "You couldn't see it, then all of a sudden he's laying down. Then you saw the blood and you're saying, 'Oh no, I don't think he's faking.' ''"

Ray Allen takes stitches

Comment

October 24

Boston Globe

"Celtics guard Ray Allen missed part of Saturday afternoon's practice after a Kendrick Perkins elbow caused a cut over his eye. Allen was taken for stitches at the team's Health Point facility in Waltham. Allen's status for the Celtics' season-opening visit to Cleveland has not been determined. Coach Doc Rivers described the clash as an accident, since both Allen and Perkins were playing together, during a "skeleton" drill, which does not include a defending team."

Garnett: "I don't have any knee problems."

Comment

October 4

Boston Globe

"Kevin Garnett said Saturday that his knee is pain free and he feels more flexible with his surgically repaired right knee than at any time since the operation. Garnett was nimble running the court at Salve Regina University and didn't favor the right leg as much as Tuesday, the first day of training camp. Here is the complete interview with Garnett: What did you think of the second team's performance?"

Hakim Warrick chooses Milwaukee Bucks over Cleveland Cavaliers

Comment

August 2

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"As happens often in the free-agent process, it is on to the next for the Cavaliers. Friday, power forward Hakim Warrick accepted a contract offer from the Milwaukee Bucks over one from the Cavs. The proposals were not the same. The Bucks reportedly signed Warrick to a one-year, $3 million contract, and he will have a chance to compete for a starting job. The Cavs' offer was their bi-annual exception of just under $2 million to take position behind starter Anderson Varejao. The Cavs still are believed to want to add another forward. One player under consideration is Joe Smith, who finished out last season with the Cavs. He averaged 6.5 points and 4.8 rebounds in 21 regular season games ..."

Nets' 'Baby' Talk A Lot of Babble

Comment

July 22

New York Post

"Glen "Big Baby" Davis? Yup, the Nets have inquired. Same with Lamar Odom and Marvin Williams and Drew Gooden and just about every other frontcourt free agent. But, of course, asking about and acquiring are in two vastly different arenas. Several Nets sources confirmed the team's interest in Davis, but all agreed the chances of landing the Celtics restricted free agent are unlikely. Boston wants to keep him, and the Celts have said they'll match any reasonable offer. And around the Nets these days, don't plan on any unreasonable financial proposals. Plus, before the Nets did anything, they would want to clear a roster spot. They have 15 contracts. "We're trying to stay abreast of all ..."

Pistons turned down Davis-for-Maxiell trade

Comment

July 22

Detroit Free Press

"Not sure that this is valid, but it seems feasible. Yahoo! Sports reports that Boston offered the Detroit Pistons power forward Glen (Big Baby) Davis and guards J.R. Giddens and Gabe Pruitt for forward Jason Maxiell and a first-round pick. The Pistons supposedly turned down the trade "quickly." The report also states that the Pistons, Trail Blazers and Hornets have tried to work a sign-and-trade deal for Davis. It's no secret that the Pistons were interested in Big Baby to fill out their frontcourt, but that window seems to have closed with Detroit's signing of Chris Wilcox. For what it's worth, even though this deal is past its prime, here are the 2008-09 scoring averages of the players ..."

Nets express interest in Davis

Comment

July 21

Yahoo! Sports

"The New Jersey Nets are among the teams who have expressed interest in Boston Celtics restricted free-agent forward Glen Davis, a league source said Monday. The Nets still have their $5.8 million mid-level exception to spend as they search through their options from a pool of free-agent power forwards that also includes Lamar Odom and Drew Gooden. The Nets also are interested in Carlos Boozer, whom the Utah Jazz are trying to trade. The Celtics have said they would match any reasonable offer for Davis. The Detroit Pistons, New Orleans Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers, league sources said, tried to work a sign-and-trade deal for Davis only to be rebuffed by the Celtics."

Grant Hill passes on Celtics

Comment

July 11

Boston Herald

"The fit would have been perfect, but any notion of a Grant Hill-Celtics marriage this season no longer exists. The veteran forward chose to remain with Phoenix yesterday, declining offers from the Celts and New York Knicks and instead agreeing to a two-year contract worth approximately $7 million with the Suns. The C's only could offer their $1.9 million biannual exception but provided Hill with the best chance of winning an NBA title, albeit as a reserve. The Knicks offered more money (a one-year, $5.8 million mid-level deal) but didn't have the right environment, either. "Grant decided to stay in business because there is unfinished business there (in Phoenix)," said Hill's agent, Lon ..."

Celts Pass on Marbury

Comment

July 9

New York Post

"Stephon Marbury told The Post last night he won't be returning to the Celtics and is eyeing Europe stronger than ever. Marbury, 32, has been talking to teams in three different European countries, including Italy, the past few weeks and is growing more intrigued if a strong NBA offer does not come along soon. The Celtics have told Marbury they are not going to re-sign him after netting Rasheed Wallace. Marbury has been using Players Association attorney Hal Biagas as his agent. "If I have to give it overseas, I'll give it overseas," Marbury said. "I like the Europe option to bring the Starbury [sneaker] brand there and sponsor soccer players.""

Pursuit of Grant Hill a tall order

Comment

July 8

Boston Herald

"Now that Grant Hill has become the Celtics primary target, the front office already is resigned to the fact that it will have less money to offer. New York and Phoenix - with the former taking the swingman on a tour of the team's practice facilities on Monday - both can offer portions of their mid-level exceptions to Hill. The Celtics are limited to the $1.9 million biannual exception, but they have made an initial move. A league source confirmed that Doc Rivers, who has not attended the first two days of summer league games, met with Hill - an Orlando neighbor of the Celtics coach - earlier this week. The Celtics' obvious edge over the Knicks and Spurs - their chances of winning another ..."

Magic GM downplays interest in Big Baby

Comment

July 7

Boston Herald

"It could take time before the Celtics and Glen Davis reach agreement on a new contract, as the restricted free agent continues to monitor what has historically been a late developing part of the free agent market. Though Otis Smith may have been attempting to deflect attention from his true interest, the Orlando general manager - said to be interested in the young power forward - downplayed the Big Baby factor last night. "Not today," Smith said of whether Davis was one of his priorities. "I think we like who we like, and you can't make us like who we don't like. We just have a tendency to like who we like, like every franchise does." Dallas, another team said to have an interest, was ..."

Marbury believes Celtics days are over

Comment

July 4

Boston Globe

"Celtics free agent guard Stephon Marbury said to The Globe early Friday morning that he doesn't expect to be returning to Boston after receiving a disappointing one-year contract offer paying $1.3 million using the veteran's minimum. Marbury said his representative, National Basketball Players Association deputy counsel Hal Biagas, called to tell him about the Celtics offer on Thursday night. The 32-year-old said three other teams, which he would not disclose, are currently interested. The two-time All-Star signed with the Celtics on Feb. 27 for the rest of the season after working out a buyout of his contract with the Knicks that paid $21.8 million after dealing with a soap opera-like ..."

Sheed mulls Celtics' offer

Comment

July 4

Boston Herald

"Rasheed Wallace now gets to sit back and sift. Sift offers. Sift possibilities. The Celtics hit the 35-year-old free agent with a Big Three press on Thursday, showering him with everything from the camaraderie of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen to the usual pitch about Celtics history. "Oh yes, we heard about that," said Wallace's agent, Bill Strickland. "He's well-aware of that. He (played at) North Carolina, so that kind of thing matters to him." Something else in the Celts' pitch, however, caught Wallace's ear. "One thing I liked that Danny (Ainge, executive director of basketball operations) said (Thursday) is that if they sign Rasheed, that won't stop him from adding further ..."

C's press for Rasheed Wallace

Comment

July 3

Boston Herald

"The Celtics' hopes are now obvious. Rasheed Wallace is Plan A. The other free agents on their list are strictly Plan B. With the Big Three lending their considerable clout to the recruitment process, a large Celtics delegation visited the 7-foot free agent in Detroit yesterday afternoon and wasted no time in offering him a contract, according to two well-placed league sources close to the negotiations. According to both sources, the C's have offered Wallace a two-year contract for the $5.8 million mid-level exception. Danny Ainge, the team's executive director of basketball operations, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, coach Doc Rivers and co-owner Wyc Grousbeck were all on hand for ..."

Celtics have target

Comment

July 2

Boston Globe

"Danny Ainge was on the telephone at his HealthPoint office when the NBA free agent market opened at midnight yesterday. Among Ainge's first calls was to Bill Strickland, agent for center-forward Rasheed Wallace. "I made some calls,'' said Ainge, the Celtics' president of basketball operations. "Rasheed is a guy we have interest in. We made calls with quite a few free agents' representatives late last night from my office to let them know we have interest. We contacted 10 free agents and tried to get some feedback in what they are looking for and their interest long term. But that's about it. Mostly for something down the road.'' The Celtics' interest in Wallace is not for the long term, ..."

Celtics to court Rasheed Wallace

Comment

July 2

Boston Herald

"Danny Ainge kicked off free agency yesterday by targeting a player who reportedly is going to be very receptive to Celtics overtures - former Pistons center Rasheed Wallace. "We hope to meet with him soon," Ainge, the Celtics general manager, said last night, debunking an Internet report that team management already had met with Wallace on Tuesday night. Wallace, who also is expected to receive pitches from San Antonio and Cleveland, can expect a heavy recruiting effort from several members of the C's organization."

Glen Davis monitors offers

Comment

July 2

Boston Herald

"Glen Davis' first free agent experience appears to be off to an expedient start. The Celtics forward's agent, John Hamilton, received what he termed "a couple" of calls from potential suitors after midnight Tuesday. "Things are generally slow for restricted free agents, but I was pleased to have a couple of them call," said Hamilton, who declined to name the teams. "I guess some teams have identified him." Now that the Celtics have made their qualifying offer to Davis, all general manager Danny Ainge can do is sit back and watch the market develop. With matching rights on the young forward, Ainge now gets to see what the market will bear. It could be a lot. "Right now, Glen will be out ..."

Not just Wallace

Comment

July 2

San Antonio Express-News

"It is widely believed Rasheed Wallace is at the top of the Spurs free-agent target list. Yet they are hardly putting all their eggs in the Wallace basket. In addition to Wallace, the Spurs have contacted at least two other big men during the early throes of free agency. According to an NBA source, the Spurs have also been in touch with Antonio McDyess, Wallace's soon-to-be-former Detroit teammate, and Dallas forward Brandon Bass. McDyess would be an intriguing fallback option should the Wallace plan not work out. The Pistons are interested in re-signing McDyess, who returned to Detroit after being included in the Chauncey Billups-Allen Iverson deal last fall, but it is believed he could be ..."

Celtics tender offer to Glen Davis

Comment

July 1

Boston Herald

"The Celtics took the first step in their attempt to retain the services of Glen Davis by tendering the forward a qualifying offer last night. But the chase is far from over. Based on his playoff performance - beyond Kendrick Perkins he was arguably the Celtics' best player during the conference semifinals against Orlando - Big Baby is anticipating a big paycheck. According to a league source, Davis, as a restricted free agent, will carry a mid-level exception (approximately $5.8 million) price tag into the marketplace. He also qualifies as a so-called "Early Bird" exception free agent (two years with the same team), meaning the Celtics can sign him for up to 175 percent of last season's ..."

Davis will receive a qualifying offer

Comment

June 30

Boston Globe

"Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge confirmed yesterday the team will make a qualifying offer to forward Glen Davis. By virtue of that, if another NBA team were to sign Davis, a restricted free agent, to an offer sheet, Boston would have seven days to match it. Davis, whose annual salary is $711,517, increased his value with strong performances late in the regular season and playoffs, replacing the injured Kevin Garnett in the starting lineup. Davis averaged 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in the postseason, and hit a game-winning jumper at the buzzer in Game 4 of the second-round series against Orlando. Also, guard Eddie House will decide today on whether to accept his ..."

Eddie House may test market

Comment

June 30

Boston Herald

"Eddie House has until today to pick up the option on his contract, which would pay the Celtics guard approximately $2.9 million next season, but last night he still hadn't reached a decision. "We're prepared for whatever he decides," Celts general manager Danny Ainge said. House's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said: "We're kicking some things back and forth. We just haven't made a decision on it yet." Bartelstein recently told the Herald that House wants to remain in Green, but the guard has "outperformed his contract." Though it is purely a formality, Ainge said the Celtics also will make a qualifying offer to forward Glen Davis, giving the team matching rights for the impending restricted ..."

Celts clamp on Claws

Comment

June 30

Boston Herald

"It's a far cry from when Danny Ainge was a young third baseman in the Toronto Blue Jays farm system, but the Celtics announced a partnership yesterday that brought them several steps closer to the way Major League Baseball teams develop talent. As expected, the Celtics joined forces with one of the newest members of the National Basketball Development League - the Maine Red Claws. Red Claws president Jon Jennings, the former Celtics assistant coach, also has formed a partnership with the Charlotte Bobcats, but there's no doubt about the benefit to the Celtics of having a minor league affiliate two hours away in Portland. Like the new NBA D-League franchise in Springfield - an affiliate of ..."

Ainge's criticism of Rondo angers agent

Comment

June 25

ESPN.com

"General manager Danny Ainge's verbal flogging of point guard Rajon Rondo on Boston's airwaves -- one day after saying the Celtics were extremely fond of him -- has drawn the ire of the player's agent. Rondo, who helped the Celtics win the 2008 NBA championship and averaged 16.9 points in this year's playoffs, has been the subject of much trade speculation. After telling reporters Tuesday that he does not intend to trade any of the Celtics core players this offseason, Ainge told WEEI on Wednesday that Rondo needed "to grow up" and that "his presence hurt" the team in its seven-game loss to the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Ainge also said that Rondo, who is entering ..."

Rumor Roundup: Brand, McGrady, Rondo, Darko, Farmar

Comment

June 25

SI.com

"The 76ers have shopped Elton Brand. ... Other teams "very aggressive" in pursuit of Tracy McGrady, according to Rockets GM Daryl Morey. ... The agent for Rajon Rondo, the subject of trade rumors, is unhappy with Celtics boss Danny Ainge. ... The Knicks are close to acquiring Darko Milicic. ... The Lakers have contacted Houston about acquiring Jordan Farmar or buying their first-round pick."

Ainge dealing in reality

Comment

June 24

Boston Globe

"Danny Ainge is planning for the Celtics to open next season with the same starters they had in 2007 and last year. But he will entertain offers for anyone and everyone and said no Celtic is untradeable - though he considers a trade a long shot. "That's my job,'' said the Celtics president of basketball operations. "We have to listen to what any team has to offer. It's also my job not to stand pat. I encourage my players to get better in their game and my coaches to get better in what they're doing. "We're trying to do the same thing. We're trying to improve our team. We're not trying to change our team, but we're trying to improve it. We have a legit shot at winning it this season and we ..."

Danny Ainge blasts Rajon Rondo rumors

Comment

June 24

Boston Herald

"Some call it the silly season. Others, like Danny Ainge, call it a pain in the neck. But from now until next season, and especially as the team moves on from tomorrow night's draft to free agency, rumors are going to buzz the Celtics boss like flies at a picnic. The rumor du jour yesterday was a Yahoo! Sports report that the Celts offered Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen to Detroit for Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Rodney Stuckey and were turned down. The discussion was said to occur between "low-level" executives. Ainge didn't deny that someone in his organization contacted Detroit. But he also shot down speculation that the Celtics are trying to trade Rondo based on his behavior - such ..."

Danny Ainge sizes up Rajon Rondo rumors

Comment

June 23

Boston Herald

"The NBA Draft may be on Thursday, but the buzz is starting early for Danny Ainge. Today the Celtics [team stats] executive director of basketball operations had to deal with an interesting Yahoo.com report involving point guard Rajon Rondo [stats]. The rumor had the Celts being turned down after offering Rondo and Ray Allen to Detroit for Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Rodney Stuckey. The discussion was said to occur between "low level" executives. Ainge didn't deny that talks occurred within the two organizations but he did splash water on the theory that the C's were dangling Rondo based on his behavior - like showing up later for a playoff game against Orlando - or contract ..."

Report: Celtics offer Pistons Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo

Comment

June 23

Detroit Free Press

"Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Boston Celtics offered the Detroit Pistons two of their best players - but it wasn't at a very cheap price. According to the report, the Celtics offered Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo to the Pistons for a package that included Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Rodney Stuckey. Despite the intriguing option of adding another expiring contract (Allen) and a young star (Rondo), the Pistons immediately shot down the offer, according to the report. Here is an excerpt from the article: Boston is unlikely to re-sign Allen to a long-term extension next summer, and there is belief around the league that the Celtics have hesitancy about ..."

Danny Ainge deals with rumors

Comment

June 18

Boston Herald

"Amid trade rumors that he is offering everyone from point guard Rajon Rondo to center Kendrick Perkins to move up in next Thursday's NBA draft, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge didn't sound like a man particularly encouraged by the possibilities yesterday. "I think it's unlikely," Ainge said of trading up. "It's possible, but unlikely." Though Ainge declined to discuss the rumors involving Rondo, a team source sniffed at the speculation involving the young floor leader, saying, "Rondo's not going to be traded." As for the speculation that the Celtics are trying to make moves now that will clear space for a shot at a member of 2010's highly anticipated free agent class, Ainge said, ..."

Source: Tom Thibodeau will be staying put

Comment

June 14

Boston Herald

"Tom Thibodeau, according to a league source, is about to sign a new contract with the Celtics, bringing the team's associate coach back to Square One after his relatively short search for a head coaching job. Only the length of the new deal is uncertain, though Thibodeau, with an eye on moving up, has worked each of the last two years on one-year contracts. Thibodeau is also developing a reputation for getting cold feet. Though he appeared to see the writing on the wall last week by withdrawing his name for consideration a day before the Kings hired Paul Westphal as their head coach, the NBA source, had another take on the his decision. "He thought it was a bad fit," said the source. "(The ..."

Playin' with Eddie House money

Comment

June 14

Boston Herald

"Just as the real world is cash-strapped, so is that top one percent corner of multimillionaires known as the NBA. Some might think that a valuable role player like Eddie House would do the safe thing and exercise his $2.86 million player option by the June 30 deadline. But the Celtics guard, after one of the more productive seasons of his nine-year career, has the nagging feeling that he can earn more - hopefully with the Celtics. But House's love for his current situation may not preclude him from testing the free agent market next month. "We haven't made a final decision," agent Mark Bartelstein said. "He'd love to stay in Boston. He loves everything about what he has here. The fans have ..."

A previous engagement

Comment

May 27

Boston Globe

"Several sources close to the situation said yesterday that Kendrick Perkins and Rajon Rondo would not participate in USA Basketball's minicamp in Las Vegas because of Perkins's wedding July 25 in Houston. The USA Basketball mini-camp includes a meeting July 22, practice July 23-24, and an intrasquad scrimmage July 25. Perkins is marrying his longtime girlfriend and Rondo is one of the groomsmen. Perkins and Rondo originally thought the minicamp was in June, but after recently learning the actual date, they had representatives contact USA Basketball to turn down the invitation. By not participating, Perkins and Rondo will have a hard time getting serious consideration to play for the US in ..."

Sixers GM Stefanski interviews highly regarded Thibodeau

Comment

May 22

Philadelphia Daily News

"When the subject is Tom Thibodeau, everybody - at least publicly - says the same things.They say the Boston Celtics' associate head coach is a defensive guru.They say he's a passionate, 24/7 worker.They say he's excellent in developmental work with players.They say they have no good reason why, in his 19 years in the NBA, he has never been a head coach.Thibodeau, though, took at least a step in that direction yesterday when he met with 76ers president/general manager Ed Stefanski about their vacant position. He became the fourth candidate the Sixers have confirmed, following former Washington and Sacramento coach Eddie Jordan, Dallas assistant and former Minnesota coach Dwane Casey, and ..."

Kings add Tom Thibodeau to search

Comment

May 21

Boston Herald

"Sources yesterday confirmed that the Sacramento Kings, in the market for a new head coach, have expanded their search to include Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau. The Philadelphia 76ers already have contacted Thibodeau about their vacant head coaching position. Thibodeau is competing with veteran coach Eddie Jordan and Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis for both jobs. Dwane Casey also is being considered in Philadelphia. Thibodeau's main issue appears to be the perception that he is a defensive specialist who might not be able to make the transition to head coach. "I have no doubt about that, and he's been in my locker room for two years, so I should know," C's coach Doc Rivers said yesterday. ..."

Stephon Marbury mulls options

Comment

May 20

Boston Herald

"We know this much about Stephon Marbury. The prodigal Knick loved his short time as a Celtic. But his time in green was as a role player, not a leading man, and this New Yorker clearly sees himself as Robert DeNiro, not Robert Duval. In the long run, that would probably cut against the grain for the point guard, who admittedly may not be a good long-term fit as Rajon Rondo's backup. That's why Marbury, as well as Celtics management, has to think long and hard once free agency begins July 1. "Being the sixth man coming off the bench is not a bad thing, but I know that I'm a starter," Marbury said when asked if he could accept these conditions on a long-term basis. "So it really doesn't ..."

76ers, Thibodeau to talk

Comment

May 19

Boston Globe

"Tom Thibodeau may have an opportunity to coach against the Celtics next season. Celtics president Danny Ainge said yesterday that the team's associate head coach has been given permission to speak to Atlantic Division rival Philadelphia about its head coach opening. The 76ers asked last week and Ainge granted permission yesterday, after the Celtics were eliminated from the playoffs Sunday. The Sixers interviewed ex-Washington coach Eddie Jordan last Friday and also seem to have interest in Cleveland assistant John Kuester, a former Boston assistant. "Tom will be an excellent head coach," said Ainge. "He just needs an opportunity." Thibodeau, who has been with the Celtics two seasons, has ..."

Tom Thibodeau to seek Philadelphia job

Comment

May 19

Boston Herald

"Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau will have a chance to interview for the 76ers head coaching position. Executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge confirmed yesterday that Philadelphia called during the weekend to ask permission to speak with Thibodeau, and the OK was granted. The 76ers already have spoken to Eddie Jordan about the position, and they are expected to meet with others. When he first signed with the Celtics in 2007, Thibodeau stated his desire to become an NBA head coach. He signed two one-year contracts with the club, and although he would have been allowed to get out of a longer deal to be a head coach, this was seen as him keeping his options open to ..."

Celtics Trade Rumors