NBA Rumors: Boston Celtics backing off Kris Humphries
The Boston Celtics seem like a team with too many plans — which inevitably makes it seem like they don’t have a plan. They’ve wanted to trade Rajon Rondo for what seems like two years. They’ve wanted Kevin Love for as long as he’s been “available.” They have wanted to sign Kris Humphries, that was until Tuesday when Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reported a source saying they were “backing off.”
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Humphries got too expensive for the Celtics, though it’s unclear where they want to invest their money as of now. He was the highest-paid player on the Celtics last season at $12 million and found ways to contribute once he worked his way into the rotation last year, averaging 15.1 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots per 36 minutes, but received only 19.9 minutes per game in actuality.
There are plenty of teams still interested in Humphries services, however. The Heat, Wizards and Hornets are all reportedly interested in the big man. While the Celtics were likely the front runner in the early going, the possible talent-drain in Miami with the departure of any and all Big Three members could be cataclysmic, and thus they would be willing to bring in all and every talented free agent that remains.
The latest rumor is that the Celtics are hoping to reel in Lance Stephenson in a sign-and-trade deal. It’s not exactly a direct replacement of Humphries, as Stephenson plays guard and Humphries center, but the similar timing of the two might indicate some sort of connection.