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.
The Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls have shown “serious interest” in free-agent forward Josh Howard, a league source told Yahoo! Sports.
While the Bulls could have the salary-cap space to sign Howard, depending on what happens with their offer sheet to J.J. Redick, the Celtics would need a sign-and-trade to arrange a deal because they have already used their midlevel exception on Jermaine O’Neal.
Howard has yet to receive a contract offer. The Washington Wizards also have some interest in re-signing Howard.
Washington picked Howard up in a trade last year, and he immediately blew out his ACL... so we're not exactly sure how he's doing physically. Obviously he'll have to pass a physical before being signed, but just because his knee is structurally fine, it doesn't mean Howard will be fine.
However... assuming he's 100% healthy, he's a guy who can score and defend. And he's taller than Tony Allen, so he'd be able to fill in at the 3 a little more easily than Tony. And since Tony just left, I'm looking this as the move the C's have in mind to fill his slot off the bench. Someone has to be the scoring threat off the bench... maybe Howard can fill that role while also picking up some of the defensive slack left by TA's departure.
The C's only have Sheed's contract and minimum contracts to work with. Unless they can work a 3 team deal or something to get more than one player... we're looking at paying someone like Howard around $6 million a year.
On Page 2... Rajon Rondo may join Team USA
Colangelo said that over the past 10 days every member of the U.S. Olympic team has declined an invitation to play this summer in Turkey, including Kobe Bryant, who played through a number of injuries during the Los Angeles Lakers’ run to the 2010 NBA championship, and LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, who just signed with the Miami Heat. The last declined invitation came Saturday night when Utah Jazz guard Deron Williams called Colangelo.
USA Basketball is expected to add Rajon Rondo and center Robin Lopez to the World Championships roster. The team also has commitments from Kevin Durant, Amar’e Stoudemire and Derrick Rose.
Yahoo!: US will have new team for Worlds
Back in February, there was a "misunderstanding" that left Rajon Rondo off the Team USA roster. It's nice to see that it was cleared up. Yes, it took every player from the Olympic roster saying no to allow it to happen... but hey, it's Team USA.
I'm actually looking forward to seeing what Rondo can do with these guys. All these young athletes running the break with him might get a little fancy.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston: Analysis: TA's departure | May: Thoughts on the offseason | WEEI: Tony Allen's mom: "I'm sure he hates to leave" | Herald: Tony Allen lured away by Grizzlies | Farmar joins Nets, other Lakes in flux | Pacers reach deal to stay in Indy | Globe: Cuban: NBA should investigate how Miami got Big 3