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.

So while the Celts definitely will make their best pitch for Kevin Love, hoping they can dissuade him from returning to Cleveland, some of the other players they’ve been rumored to be after are simply not on the dance card. According to league sources, they will not, as has been reported, be going hard after some of the next-level free agents who’ll be commanding more than their true worth once they hit the open market.

Ainge wasn’t offering or confirming any specifics in a quick phone conversation. He spoke mainly in generalities as he and his staff continued to prepare for both the free agent negotiating sprint and the flurry of NBA trades that are certain to come later in July.

“I have two thoughts going into this,” he said. “No. 1, try to get really good players, and 2, try to be responsible in our (salary) cap management.”

Asked to elaborate on the latter, he said, “It’s very big. We need to manage our payroll and our cap. We want to get better right now, but we can’t put ourselves in a bad position where we can’t make a move we really need to down the line. But we’re ready to make a big move right now if one is available to us.”

Most likely, one will not. Sure, the Celts would love to get their uniform on Marc Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre Jordan, Love or restricted free agents Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler, but it’s hard to see anything working out. That won’t stop them from trying.

Boston Herald – Big free agents not likely to land here

When the start of NBA free agency begins at midnight, don’t expect any fireworks from the Celtics.  I wouldn’t expect any from the first or second tier free agents especially.  Given what Danny Ainge said in the above quotes, he’s right.  He should absolutely chase the best players available, but at the same time he can’t clog up cap space by signing someone just to sign someone (I’m looking at you, Greg Monroe).  Amazingly though, the C’s can’t even seem to get a visit from some of the bigger names, other than Kevin Love and even it’s not certain they’ll get a meeting from him.

I do need to point here the general rules of free agency immediately put the C’s and other teams behind… meaning restricted free agency (Kawhi Leonard, Draymond Green, etc.) and Bird-rights players being able to get a lot more money by re-signing with their own teams (Love, Marc Gasol, etc.).  After we all understand the rules they are operating under, then we can make other judgments/complaints.

LaMarcus Aldridge has scheduled visits with a third of the league (I exaggerate) and the C’s aren’t even on that list.  He won’t even invite them out to LA to meet him there.  For the Celtics, their best bet would be the third tier free agents.  Which leads us to…

On Page 2, Ok maybe at least some bottle rockets?

One player to watch is Memphis center Kosta Koufos, who is solid but won’t make Boston fans forget about the Bruins’ sudden rebuild or the Red Sox’ woes. Koufos, 26, left Ohio State after his freshman season in 2008 and has played with four teams in seven seasons.

He has been a capable backup for Memphis, averaging 5.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 16.8 minutes per game the past two seasons. The Celtics want a difference-making interior defender and Koufos may be their most attainable target, and he has said he enjoys Boston.

[…]

Another potential candidate to come to Boston is Portland big man Robin Lopez, a considerable upgrade from Koufos who could be a starter immediately. Lopez is unlike his brother Brook Lopez, a finesse scorer who lacks rebounding skills. Robin Lopez is anything but finesse, a solid finisher around the rim and a decent free throw shooter.

That’s the type of player the Celtics should heavily pursue beginning Tuesday at midnight.

These aren’t exactly fireworks, but if they aren’t to be had, the Celtics have to take the necessary steps to improve, even if they are little ones.

Boston Globe – Celtics remain a tough sell for free agents

So, is everyone psyched for the Kosta Koufos.Robin Lopez era!  I can imagine the marketing now from the Celtics: CELTICS REBUILD WITH THE TWIN TOWERS, KOUFOS AND LOPEZ!  I mean sure, Washburn is right in the sense that you need to acquire little pieces to build a foundation with.  The problem with the Celtics is that they have tons of little pieces.  Nice players, but no stars… yet.  And at least one other national writer thinks the Celtics will sign Lopez. Maybe the C’s are going all big in free agency, as Zach Lowe thinks they could sign recent Charlotte castoff, Bismack Biyombo.  At any rate, don’t expect dynamite during free agency… some bottle rockets and perhaps some sparklers are more like it.

That said, I think there might be more Biyombo interest on Twitter than in real NBA. 1 team mentioned often –BOS– not super interested yet

— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 30, 2015

The rest of the links:

ESPN Boston – Celtics rookies play the numbers game

Boston Herald – Celtics prioritize ‘high-character’ guys

CSNNE – Free agency has been a challenge for Ainge, Celtics | Thornton: Celtics getting a ‘hard worker’ |  Celtics on Monroe’s short list of potential teams | Top five NBA free agents on the move

MassLive – NBA free agency rumors 2015: Boston Celtics have ‘some interest’ in Paul Millsap | Jordan Mickey: Main goal is to help Boston Celtics however I can

The Salt Lake Tribune – Kragthorpe: Rebuilding tracks of Jazz, Celtics will converge at ESA