Ainge Open To Trades With 5th Pick

Danny Ainge is open to trade offers for his fifth overall pick in June's draft.

Trade talks already have taken place, and more scenarios figure to be explored as the week goes on.

“So many calls are made for financial reasons,” Ainge said. “The trade world is just so different than any fan has any comprehension about. A lot of teams want to make deals that either free up money or cut their payroll just for cap or luxury tax reasons.”

Via Boston Herald

Boston Celtics

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Oden Paired With Russell In Marketing Deal With Topps

Greg Oden has been drafted by a trading card company, and will be on the same team as Bill Russell.

Oden, a possible No. 1 draft pick after leaving Ohio State following his freshman year, signed a three-year contract worth at least $3 million Tuesday to become a spokesman for Topps Co. His first deal? A card featuring him and Russell, the Boston Celtics Hall of Famer, on the 50th anniversary of the company's first basketball set.

Like Russell, Oden is known for his ability to dominate a game on the defensive end with his rebounding and shot blocking.

"Certainly there's been a lot of comparisons to Bill Russell, which we don't run away from," said Bill Sanders, a vice president for BDA Sports Management, which represents Oden.

"I think that Greg has got a lot of that in him, but he's also got other skills in him that people don't necessarily associate with Bill Russell. Certainly he's honored to be mentioned in that kind of company. I think one of his goals is to accomplish a little bit of what Bill Russell did."

Via Sports Illustrated

NBA Draft, Portland Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics

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Oden Signs With Topps, Will Be Featured With Russell

Greg Oden signed a multiyear deal Tuesday to become a spokesman for Topps Co.

A card featuring him and Bill Russell, the Boston Celtics Hall of Famer, on the 50th anniversary of the company's first basketball set will be his first feature.

"Certainly there's been a lot of comparisons to Bill Russell, which we don't run away from,'' said Bill Sanders, a vice president for BDA Sports Management, which represents Oden.

"I think that Greg has got a lot of that in him, but he's also got other skills in him that people don't necessarily associate with Bill Russell. Certainly he's honored to be mentioned in that kind of company. I think one of his goals is to accomplish a little bit of what Bill Russell did.''

Via SI.com

Portland Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics

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