Nate Robinson Close To Re-signing

Per Mark Murphy:

Aaron Goodwin, the agent for Nate Robinson, said yesterday the two sides could reach a deal by the end of the week.

"Things are going well," Goodwin said. "We're just trying to get something worked out. But both parties are talking."

Unlike they had with Allen, the C's don't hold the so-called "Larry Bird rights" to Robinson, and as a result, can't go over the salary cap to give their backup point guard more money.

Something about that sounds odd.  I thought that we could offer him his salary or a percentage increase on his salary even if we don't own his Bird rights.  Someone smarter than me will have to figure this out.

Other bits of news:

Portland guard Rudy Fernandez was thought to be another target, though talks between the Blazers and C's appear to have fallen apart.

"I don't think it's going to happen," a league official said. "That deal came and went."

For now, the Celtics will wait to see what free agents fall into minimum salary range. And with the mid-level exception spent last week on center Jermaine O'Neal, that process could take some time.

"There's nothing imminent - just a lot of investigation (for them)," the league official said. "That's what happens when you're in minimum contract mode."

Makes sense.  Too bad about Rudy, I liked the idea of bringing him in.