HoopsHype.com Rumors

Celtic assistant general manager and team counsel Mike Zarren turned down an offer to become the general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, two league sources told the Herald yesterday. The job eventually went to Sam Hinkie. “I don’t know all the details, but I know there was strong interest in Mike from Philly,” said Ainge. “I don’t know why (he turned it down). You’ll have to ask him.” Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Mike Zarren, Sam Hinkie 

Paul Flannery: Philly had talked to Hinkie and Celtics assistant GM Mike Zarren last summer, among others. Twitter @Pflanns

Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Mike Zarren, Sam Hinkie 

Meanwhile, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation, one of the three candidates mentioned for the job - Boston assistant general manager Mike Zarren - has withdrawn his candidacy. The Sixers have also interviewed ESPN analyst and ex-Portland Trail Blazers assistant general manager Tom Penn, whom they have cooled on, according to a source, and former New Orleans general manager Jeff Bower. Philadelphia Inquirer

Boston Celtics, New Orleans Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Tom Penn, Jeff Bower, Mike Zarren 

Paul Flanner: Per league sources, Mike Zarren has removed himself from consideration for the 76ers GM job and will stay with Celtics. Twitter

Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Mike Zarren 

Celtics assistant General Manager Ryan McDonough was in the running for the Orlando Magic GM job that ultimately went to Worcester native Rob Hennigan. Now comes Philadelphia. The 76ers have interest in Mike Zarren, a Celtics assistant GM who also doubles as Team Counsel. Ainge confirmed to CSNNE.com that the Sixers did ask for permission to speak with Zarren about the Sixers GM job. CSNNE.com

Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Mike Zarren 

While Ainge wasn't sure where things stood with Zarren and the Philadelphia GM job currently held by Rod Thorn, he's not surprised that his top assistants are garnering interest from other franchises. "Ryan McDonough and Mike Zarren are both good candidates," Ainge said. "I knew both of those guys would get an opportunity someday, for sure." CSNNE.com

Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Mike Zarren 

Boston Celtics assistant general manager Mike Zarren is a serious candidate for the Sixers general manager position, sources with knowledge of the search told SI.com. With incumbent Rod Thorn expected to transition to a consultant role once his replacement is found, the Sixers were reportedly deciding between former Portland assistant general manager and ESPN analyst Tom Penn and former New Orleans general manager Jeff Bower. SI.com

Philadelphia 76ers, Mike Zarren 

Penn was considered the frontrunner just weeks ago, but sources say his candidacy has taken a serious hit while Zarren and Bower continue to jockey for the job. SI.com

Philadelphia 76ers, Tom Penn, Mike Zarren