Rip Hamilton To Celtics? (UPDATED)

"Detroit’s Richard Hamilton would intrigue Ainge, but the Pistons would have to work out a buyout of his remaining $30 million, which includes an early termination option for 2012-13. It seems hopeless that Hamilton and the Pistons can continue beyond this season (Boston Globe via Celticsblog.com)."

If the Melo trade never happens (I still don't buy it) then this could get interesting. The Pistons are going to try to buy him out if they can't deal him. No one is going to want to pickup that contract unless it is part of a bigger deal, so this could get interesting.

I hate Rip Hamilton, but if you're asking me if I'd rather have him then a combo of Nate Robinson/Von Wafer or Hamilton I'll take Hamilton everytime. Celticsblog describes him as a "poor man's Ray Allen". That sounds perfect if you ask me. There wouldn't need to much of an offensive change then from the first to second unit. Rip scores off running around off picks, and getting open looks. Sounds perfect for a 2nd unit that will have Big Baby and Shaq down low setting picks.

I don't like it just because of my hatred for him, but from a basketball standpoint it would be a great move. IF he gets bought out.


***UPDATED***

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated joined the Dale & Holley show Wednesday morning to talk about the Celtics and the NBA.

There's a rumor going around that the Celtics are interested in Pistons shooting guard Richard Hamilton, but Mannix downplayed it.

"That's just a rumor," he said. "The only way they acquire him is by buyout. Right now, the ownership situation in Detroit is in such flux that that buyout, it ain't coming anytime soon. And I'd be really surprised if it came before March 1st."

Mannix acknowledged that "Hamilton would be a great asset in Boston" and "something has to happen" because Hamilton and coach John Kuester are at odds. However, Mannix said, "I just don't see him getting bought out right now. He's owed $25 million over the next two years. If he's not willing to take a significant pay cut from that — and I'm talking in the $16 [million], 17 million range — he's just not going anywhere. Now as long as the ownership situation is so up in the air out here (WEEI)."