Stoudamire Wants To Be A Celtic

by Jeff Clark on Jan 21, 2008 7:03 AM EST in Boston Celtics News & Links

The Grizzlies recently presented point guard Damon Stoudamire with a buyout offer that would have required the 34-year-old to give back nearly 80 percent of his expected salary for next season.
Stoudamire is preparing to counter in hopes of joining a contender soon. Stoudamire is hopeful that he can sign as a free agent with Boston, which is looking for help behind Rajon Rondo.
Negotiations toward a buyout could heat up Monday when Griz owner Michael Heisley is expected in town for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day game against the Chicago Bulls.
And it appears that Stoudamire's immediate future will more likely involve a buyout rather than a trade. The Griz have already turned down more than one trade involving Stoudamire because the deal would have left the 13-year veteran in an undesirable position.

On a related note, at least one Clippers blogger can't see Sam Cassell being bought out and he isn't likely to be traded for anything but another expiring salary.

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Pretty weak reasoning by the Clippers blogger. Yes, if the Clippers can save money and get an asset, that makes the most since, and they should make a trade. Dallas would seem to be the only team seeking Cassell that could offer those two things. Barring that, a buyout makes sense for the following reason:

1) It saves money. Donald Sterling is notoriously cheap and profit-savvy, and I doubt he sees $2 million as a “pittance”. Clippers bloggers must be doing quite well to scoff at that paltry a sum.

2) It helps the Clippers tank. They’re going nowhere this season, with any playoff dreams going down the tubes with injuries to Brand and Livingston. Right now, they have the sixth worst winning percentage in the NBA. There are some really talented players in the draft this year, and it makes sense for the Clippers to better their chances at getting one. Getting rid of Cassell aids that cause.

3) Cassell will want it. The team will engender good will with players and agents if they cut a player loose to pursue a championship elsewhere. Cassell isn’t in the future plans of the Clips, so there’s really no benefit for them to hold on to him. They can, however, boost their reputation around the league by agreeing to a mutually-beneficial buyout that gives Cassell a shot at a championship.

by Roy_Hobbs on Jan 21, 2008 9:15 AM EST reply actions

Mighty mouse would be a nice pickup. You’re not asking him to play many minutes, he still has game, and if the big 3 are cool with it, why not?

He has a decent outside shot, can distribute the ball, and plays absolutely no defense. But 2 out of 3 ain’t bad. Let House and T. Allen back up the 2 and 3, where they are more comfortable.

by CelticRebel on Jan 21, 2008 9:22 AM EST reply actions

Unless Air Scali is giving up his roster spot, then a I say “No Vacancy” to Sam Gollum and Damien Omen.

by Master Po on Jan 21, 2008 9:23 AM EST reply actions

I say no to Mighty Mouse. He’s too small and he’s going to give up more on the defensive end than he helps on the offensive end. I think by playoff time, the C’s problems will have worked themselves out enough from within. Tony and House will step up and Pruitt will become a nice surprise for about 5-10 mpg off the bench. Baby and Powe will step up by then too. You’ll see. Every team has holes, even San Antonio and I think the C’s can still win it all with the present squad.

If we can’t get Cassell, I’m all for going with what he have.

by Bankshot on Jan 21, 2008 9:36 AM EST reply actions

Sign the guy. There is no way the Celtics can let one of these two PGs slip through in hope of getting the other.

by Wide Load on Jan 21, 2008 9:43 AM EST reply actions

If they can wait for Sam, do so.
If not, sign Damonstian Stoudelfair.

by mcpu40 on Jan 21, 2008 10:24 AM EST reply actions

What mcpu40 said.

Also, last year Sam I Am was making noises about some quasi-agreement that he’d join the Clip’s front office when he retires, which may play into what happens with him.

by Eeyore III on Jan 21, 2008 12:28 PM EST reply actions

If KG and PP want it, then it makes sense. These guys (NBA players) play a lot with each other in various charity events and summer leagues. They seem to have a pretty good guage on how they’d fit together. I’m sure Ainge has talked to them about the options. If they think he’ll help, I’d trust their opinions.

On the other hand, Stoudemire’s agent was complaining loudly all season about his backup role. If he brings that kind of attitude—expecting 30 minutes a game—then I say no thanks.

by Cousin It on Jan 21, 2008 1:51 PM EST reply actions

5’10’’ does not get to me. little d does not work either. hasn’t he also had some ‘questionable ’ behavior in the past and waswn’t he on the portland jailblazers? no thanks.

by nazzbo on Jan 21, 2008 5:27 PM EST reply actions

Our depth is too scary NOT to go after either one. If we have to lock in to the lesser one because we can’t gamble on the other one being available, then do it. Better to have than have not.

by Big_Easy on Jan 21, 2008 6:08 PM EST reply actions