Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons Deal Falls Through

The World Famous Layup Drill Rumor Mill
6/23/09

There have been some pretty interesting rumors that have floated around the net over the past week, but the one that I saw this morning takes the cake.

Yahoo! Sports reports the Celtics had pitched the idea of trading Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen to the Pistons for Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and Rodney Stuckey, however the deal was shot down immediately.

The Celtics were rumored just a few short weeks ago to be offering Rondo up to the Grizzlies for the second pick in this year's draft. While those close to the team in Boston are denying that Ray Allen or Rondo are being actively shopped, one could assume that for the right price, they could be had.

In other news, The Chicago Tribune is reporting the Bulls are close to coming to terms on a deal with the New Jersey Nets that would send their 16th and 26th picks in the first round to NJ for the rights to go 11th.

Chicago is in love with Duke forward Gerald Henderson, and they believe he can be a difference maker on the wing to go against some of the more athletic forwards in the East.

It looks like the Amare Stoudemire to Washington talks have stalled. The Suns balked at the idea of receiving the No. 5 pick as the centerpiece of the deal and countered with interest in Wizards wingman Caron Butler.

The Washington Post reports the Blazers and Warriors have also expressed interest in the All-Star, but he is not currently being offered in any deals.

The Cavaliers are hoping to luck up in the draft and find a player who can contribute similar to the way Glen Davis or Courtney Lee stepped in for Boston and Orlando, respectively. Two names that are on their radar for Thursday's draft are Sam Young and Derrick Brown.

Both Young and Brown have been praised by draft scouts as being NBA ready, though both have shortcomings to their overall game. The addition of either could assist the Cavs in a postseason run.

Finally, it seems with just a few short days to go until the draft, the OKC Thunder are not commited on what they want to do after all. The Oklahoman reports that the Thunder may throw everyone off and select Ricky Rubio if he is available at No. 3. Most mock drafts have OKC opting for James Harden.

If Harden were to slip, the face of the lottery would be altered drastically.