Celtics And NBA Free Agency Rumors: Brian Scalabrine Reportedly On His Way To Chicago

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Four Free Agents Hoping To Receive Invitation To Celtics Training Camp

Adam Morrison is but one of the free-agent perimeterr players hoping to land an invitation to the Celtics’ training camp. Julian Benbow of the Boston Globe reports Trenton Hassell, Rashad McCants, and Cuttino Mobley joined Morrison for workouts at the Celtics’ practice facility earlier this week. Though Boston already has 15 players under contract, Celtics GM Danny Ainge told Benbow he would like to bring more than 15 to training camp.

Hassell and McCants are former teammates of Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett from his days in Minnesota. Hassell, a defensive specialist, made 52 appearances for the Nets last season, while the high-scoring McCants last played in the NBA for the Kings in the 2008/09 season.

Mobley’s presence at camp is the most jarring: he retired two years ago after a routine physical revealed he has a life-threatening heart condition. But apparently the former Rockets, Magic, Kings, and Clippers guard is not ready to give up the game just yet.

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Trail Blazers Reportedly Turned Down Celtics Offer For Rudy Fernandez

The Boston Celtics were one of three teams that made concrete offers to the Portland Trail Blazers for Rudy Fernandez this offseason—a player about half the league expressed interest.

While it now appears that Fernandez is headed for Europe, the disgruntled guard was seen by many as a good fit for the Celtics, who are shallow on the wings. Apparently the Knicks and Bulls liked him as well, but all three had their offers rejected by the Trail Blazers.

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Coach Brian Scalabrine?

Brian Scalabrine has made no secret of his hopes for the 2010-11 season: he wants to play for the Celtics. "I want to keep grinding out. I want to win another championship. I really want to see what Shaq's like."

Unfortunately for Scal, the Celtics roster is pretty much full-up. But that's doesn't mean Boston isn't interested in keeping him around.

"He's as unselfish of a player as I've ever coached. I want him around, I can tell you that," Rivers said. "In a playing role, if not, in another role. I just think there's certain people that you hold onto and he's one of them. So we're going to try to figure that out."

Though if Scalabrine isn't ready to trade in the shorts and jersey for a suit and clipboard, then he may be packing his bags for some time in Europe, where he has received some "good offers" to play professionally. But he fully admits that he'd prefer to stay in the States and play, preferably with Boston.

"Based on this year, I knew I would have to be patient. If I had to go to Europe and play I will go do Europe and play. My kids are going to go to great schools in Europe and they are going to learn the culture over there and take it as a learning experience and 10 years from now, I am going to call back and say, 'remember when we lived in Barcelona for three years?'"

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Ainge Looking For One More Piece For Celtics

Danny Ainge believes that "one more piece is possible" for the 2010-2011 Boston Celtics.

"I like the pieces we have at this stage and would be happy going into training camp with this team. It is possible though we could add another player, most likely for the veteran’s minimum. Possibly a trade, but the most likely scenario is for the veteran’s minimum."

With much of the roster already in place, CelticsBlog speculates that the final piece will likely fit into a third wing player to reinforce Marquise Daniels.

Perhaps the most intriguing option remains Rudy Fernandez, who Portland hasn’t been able to deal as of yet. With the Celtics needing a replacement for Tony Allen to spell Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, Fernandez seems the talent most likely to have a significant impact. The guard would also come with a significant price, however, unlike the other options.

For more options and more in depth analysis of Rudy Fernandez, visit CelticsBlog.

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Would The Boston Celtics Add Larry Hughes?

Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports suggests on Twitter that the Celtics, who have expressed interest in Blazers guard Rudy Fernandez, might take a look at Larry Hughes. Spears tweets that Hughes is “looking good in workouts.”

Hughes is a journeyman at this point in his career, having played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks and Charlotte Bobcats since 2007. Known as a scorer coming into the league, his shooting percentages have trended towards the abysmal in recent years but he can still get buckets without needing huge minutes.

Ultimately, Hughes represents a low-risk/low-reward type signing for the Celtics.

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Celtics Make It Official With Von Wafer

The acquisition of guard Von Wafer, originally reported last Thursday, was made official with a release from the Celtics on Tuesday (via Chris Forsberg's Twitter):

Wafer, a 6’5” guard, has posted NBA career averages of 6.2 points and 1.3 rebounds in 13.3 minutes per game. Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 39th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, Wafer posted his best statistical season when he was with Houston for the 2008-09 campaign. He posted career-highs with 9.7 points and 1.8 rebounds in 19.4 minutes per game. He also shot a career-high 39.0% from three-point land. Wafer made 11 starts for the Rockets during that season and he averaged 16.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists in those contests.

Visit CelticsBlog for more Celtics news and reaction.

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Report: Celtics Will Open Season At Cleveland

Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports on Twitter that the Boston Celtics will open the 2010-2011 NBA season on the road on October 27th against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Celtics eliminated the Cavaliers from this year’s playoffs in six games. The NBA is set to officially announce the rest of the year’s schedule later this week.

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Paul Flannery: Von Wafer A "Low-Cost Gamble"

Paul Flannery has the good, bad, and ugly details of newest Celtic Von Wafer. From his breakout season in Houston, to confrontations with coach Rick Adelman, and conditioning issues derailing an NBA return last year after an unsuccesful stint with the Greek Olympiacos, there’s a lot that goes into the Wafer equation.

For all the trouble he could bring, though, Flannery likes the deal for the Celtics.

His shooting ability will certainly be a plus for a bench that could use some. If he can accept his role and do it without complaint then this move has solid potential. If not, then it’s still a reasonable low-cost gamble for a player with an obvious skill.

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Report: Rudy Fernandez Trade Isn't Imminent

As we noted earlier, the Boston Celtics are in the running for Portland guard Rudy Fernandez. Blazers beat writer Brian T. Smith tweets that “nothing is imminent.”

No “substantial” new info regarding Fernandez and Blazers during last week. “Nothing has changed,” source close to Fernandez says.

Does Fernandez want to be moved? Yes. Are Blazers exploring options? Yes. But there has not been an “ultimatum” delivered, sources say.

Blazers and Fernandez are closer and more on same page than they are apart. Source close to Fernandez describes situation as “symbiotic.”

It’s evident the relationship is not working and it’s time for a “divorce,” source says. However, dialogue is open and nothing has changed.

Blazers are exploring trade options for Fernandez. But this has been going on for more than a month, and nothing is imminent.

Blazers are open to trading Fernandez, but they are still in the driver’s seat and do not feel pressured to make a trade.

Moreover, there’s no guarantee Fernandez will soon be moved. Blazers could hold on to him and use him in a package deal.

Jason Quick, the writer who originally said Fernandez was being actively shopped, has backed off slightly.

Rudy trade talks likely on back burner until Sunday. GM Cho tells agent Andy Miller he will meet w/coach McMillan in Vegas on Sun to discuss

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Report: Celtics Invite DeShawn Sims To Training Camp

While this news isn’t as flashy as a potential trade for Rudy Fernandez, it’s still something: the Boston Celtics have invited former University of Michigan forward DeShawn Sims to their fall training camp, according to AnnArbor.com. Sims played for Boston’s Summer League team in Orlando.

Michael Rothstein writes…

“I got invited to Celtics training camp,” Sims said in a text message Tuesday.

It is the latest stop on Sims’ attempt to find a professional home after not being selected in June’s two-round NBA Draft.

The 6-foot-8 Sims played on two summer league teams last month – with Boston in Orlando and then with Dallas in Las Vegas. He played better with the Celtics, averaging 7.5 points and 1.8 rebounds in 13.3 minutes over four games.

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Are The Celtics Making A Play For Rudy Fernandez?

Jason Quick of The Oregonian writes that Portland Trail Blazers guard Rudy Fernandez is being actively shopped by the team.

On twitter, Quick reports that the Boston Celtics are one of three teams on Fernandez’s short list of destinations, which also includes the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks.

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Seeking Bench Depth, Celtics Reportedly 'Consider' Re-Signing Eddie House

Julian Benbow of the Boston Globe reports the Boston Celtics have discussed the possibility of re-signing veteran combo guard Eddie House to a deal worth $1.35 million, the minimum for a player with 10 years of NBA service. House, who appeared in 244 combined regular- and post-season games for the Celtics from 2007 to 2010, was dealt him to the New York Knicks at the trading deadline this past season.

Benbow's report isn't speculative; it includes on-the-record comment from Mark Bartelstein:

"It’s something [Celtics president] Danny [Ainge] and I have discussed," House's agent Mark Bartelstein said. "But nothing’s imminent."

Boston could certainly use backcourt help, as it only boasts Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Nate Robinson, and rookie Avery Bradley at the guard spots. House is little more than a three-point specialist at this stage of his career--during his first tour with Boston, over 56% of his shot attempts came from beyond the arc, and he launched from there once every 4.7 minutes--but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Stay tuned to this StoryStream for updates on House and everything else involving the Celtics' efforts to add to their NBA Finalist roster from last season.

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Report: Shaquille O'Neal Interested In Boston Celtics

Tim Povtak of NBA Fanhouse writes that former Cleveland Cavalier center Shaquille O’Neal is still looking for a new home in the NBA and that he’s interested in the Celtics.

Although O’Neal was unavailable for comment Friday, two sources close to him confirmed his continued interest in the Celtics, even though they currently have no room, or exceptions, under the salary cap to pay him beyond the NBA veteran’s minimum of $1.35 million.

The Celtics could pay him more, but only if his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, helped with a sign-and-trade deal.

“He only wants to go to a team with a chance to win it all,‘’ one source said. "That’s a short list. Even for the money, he’s not going to a non-contender.’’

Howard Beck of the New York Times also tied O’Neal to the Celtics but hints that perhaps Jermaine O’Neal took his spot.

For everything Celtics, head over to SB Nation’s CelticsBlog.

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Boston Continues Retooling Their Roster, Signs Marquis Daniels To One-Year Deal

It’s been quite the offseason since the Boston Celtics lost in seven games to the Los Angeles Lakers in this year’s NBA Finals. The Celtics haven’t made headlines like the Miami Heat or Chicago Bulls have, but they have quietly gone about their business positioning themselves to again be contenders in the Eastern Conference.

The latest addition to the team came on Thursday afternoon when guard Marquis Daniels was signed to a one-year deal worth a reported $2.3 million dollars.

Stay tuned for more free agent happenings in Boston and around the NBA both here and at the Celtics Blog.

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Should The Celtics Trade For Shane Battier?

With the Celtics in need of a swingman and the Rockets looking for some salary cap relief, could the C's and Rockets try to work out a deal to swap Shane Battier for Rasheed Wallace (or, essentially, his contract that is due to come off the books)?

Why this works for Boston: Battier gives the C's a veteran presence who can defend small forwards at a comparable level to the departed Tony Allen (signed with Memphis earlier this month); is in the last year of his contract which means the C's won't have to make a long-term commitment which is consistent with the Celtics' approach to offseason additions this summer; one of the more respected players in the league, would be a good fit inside the C's locker room.

Why this works for Houston: With the Rockets inching close to the luxury tax threshold following a brisk offseason, trading Battier for Wallace would save them at least $1 million in salary; Houston has Kevin Martin, Trevor Ariza and Chase Budinger in the fold, creating what appears to be a logjam of sorts at the small forward position when you throw Battier in the mix.

CelticsBlog seems to be in favor of the idea:

If we can get old pal Daryl Morey to sign on, then sign me up.

Blakely also proposes two other deals (James Posey and Nazr Mohammed) that make some sense as well.

So hypothetically, if Houston asked us to throw in a 1st rounder, would you do it?  If the Hornets offered to toss in a 1st rounder, would you do the deal for Posey?

ESPN's Chris Forsberg throws on some "cold water" to the situation, though:

While the Rockets might ultimately look at their roster and decide it is indeed in the best interest of the team to move a body in order to trim some cap space, they might not be inclined to do so until the season is underway. Battier's expiring deal benefits them moving forward and could be a nice chip at the trade deadline, depending on the Rockets' needs and performance.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers might have said it best when talking about players like Battier in January. Rivers noted that teams can't get enough guys like him that buy into supporting roles and bring the sort of intangibles that Battier offers. Maybe Houston can't get enough guys like him.

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Celtics' Minimum Deal With Rookie Semih Erden Fully Guaranteed Over Two Seasons

A little over two weeks ago, the Celtics signed Turkish center Semih Erden, whom they selected with the 60th pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, to a deal with undisclosed terms. But those terms have recently emerged, and should encourage Celtics fans.

Mark Deeks, who runs ShamSports, the best NBA salary database on the internet, posted the following message on his Twitter account this morning:

Semih Erden’s two year minimum salary deal is fully guaranteed.

I suppose the bad news is that even if Erden doesn’t pan out, will still owe him the full value of his deal. The good news? It is, quite literally, the smallest contract anyone can sign with an NBA club: according to the 11th item on Larry Coon’s salary cap FAQ, the minimum salary for a player with no NBA experience is $473,604 this season. The Celtics didn’t just get their fifth big man on the cheap; they got him on the cheapest.

With Kendrick Perkins recovering from ACL surgery, Shelden Williams leaving for Denver, and Rasheed Wallace likely retiring, Boston needed to replenish its big-man corps. Adding Erden and Jermaine O’Neal certainly helped that task.

Erden averaged 5.7 points and 4.0 rebounds in three games for the Celtics in the Orlando Pro Summer League, shooting 50% from the field and 77.8% from the foul line.

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Ronnie Brewer Chooses Bulls Over Celtics

On Friday, free agent Ronnie Brewer signed with the Bulls, reportedly agreeing to a three-year, $12.5 million deal. This is relevant because the former Grizzlie and Jazz says he picked Chicago as his new employer instead of the Celtics. 

Brewer told Yahoo! Sports' Marc Spears that he opted for the Bulls because they give him a chance to start (all via Spears' Twitter): 

"I got an opportunity to start (in Chi). Both (Chi and Bos) are storied programs. It came down to where I could excel more," Brewer told Y!.

Brewer says Celtics offered similar $, but starting & re-joining Utah teammates Boozer, Korver were main draw. Utah never made strong run. 

Ronnie Brewer said sign and trade with Memphis would have been needed to go to Celtics. Such a deal might have included Tony Allen.

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Nate Robinson Will Stay With Celtics

Nate Robinson will re-sign with the Boston Celtics according to Marc Spears.

Details of the deal are not yet known, but the Celtics cannot have given him much more than his salary from last year due to salary cap restrictions.

Robinson will continue to fill the backup point guard role for Boston, where he averaged six points and two assists per game last year over the last 22 games of the season.

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Nate Robinson And Celtics Reportedly Close To Deal

Nate Robinson is reportedly close to re-signing with the Boston Celtics.

Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald has the details:

Aaron Goodwin, the agent for Nate Robinson, said yesterday the two sides could reach a deal by the end of the week.

"Things are going well," Goodwin said. "We're just trying to get something worked out. But both parties are talking."

Unlike they had with Allen, the C's don't hold the so-called "Larry Bird rights" to Robinson, and as a result, can't go over the salary cap to give their backup point guard more money.

Robinson filled the hole at backup point guard that had plagued the Celtics for years, providing instant offense off the bench. The troubled Knicks guard was acquired in a mid-season deal for Eddie House, Bill Walker and J.R. Giddens.

Since the Celtics do not hold Nate Robinson’s Larry Bird rights, the Celtics cannot offer Robinson more than 120% of his salary from last year.

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Celtics Reportedly Have 'Serious Interest' In Josh Howard

The Celtics' offseason pursuit of forwards and centers continues, with Boston now reportedly showing "serious interest" in free-agent forward Josh Howard, this according to Yahoo! Sports' Marc Spears. The Bulls are also rumored to be heavily eying Howard.

While the Bulls could have the salary-cap space to sign Howard, depending on what happens with their offer sheet to J.J. Redick, the Celtics would need a sign-and-trade to arrange a deal because they have already used their midlevel exception on Jermaine O'Neal.

Howard has yet to receive a contract offer. The Washington Wizards also have some interest in re-signing Howard.

Howard, a 2003 first-round pick, spent his entire career with the Mavericks before being traded to the Wizards last season. He appeared in just four games for Washington before he tore the ACL in his left knee in March. Howard is reportedly ahead of schedule in his rehab after originally being told he'd miss six to eight months and is expected to be ready by the start of the 2010-11 season.

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Kwame Brown 'Going In Another Direction'

After the Celtics lost Tony Allen to the Grizzlies, a small bit of good news from the weekend: it looks as though free agent center Kwame Brown will not be signing with Boston after all.

His agent told CSNNE.com on Sunday that he anticipates having a new deal for his client within the next few days, and it will in all likelihood not be with the Celtics.

"We're probably going in another direction," said his agent, Mark Bartelstein.

Apparently the Celtics could only offer him the veteran's minimum, an amount that can easily be trumped by a handful of teams interested in Brown, according to his agent.

"Kwame has some very interesting options to weigh," Bartelstein said. "Like I said, I think we'll have something done within the next couple of days. You never say never, because things can change quickly. But I just don't think it's going to work out with Boston."

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Report: Tony Allen Close To Signing With Memphis Grizzlies

Hopefully you didn't go out an buy your Tony Allen jersey following Thursday's reports that the defensive specialist was re-signing with the Celtics. According to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Allen is close to signing a multiyear deal worth around $3 million a season with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Signing Allen would mean Memphis would completely severe ties with Ronnie Brewer, who it acquired from Utah for a protected 2011 first-round pick in February. Brewer wasn't extended a $3.7 million qualifying offer and became an unrestricted free agent. [...]

The Griz decided on Allen because of the defense and toughness he could bring to the backcourt off the bench. Memphis is also said to like Allen's leadership qualities and championship attitude given he's played for the title-contending Celtics.

Allen, a first-round pick in 2004, has spent his whole career with Boston. As the Herald points out, the Celtics own Allen's Bird Rights, meaning they can go over the salary cap in effort to retain him. Though CelticsBlog feels that he is "a highly replaceable player."

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Shaq To Celtics Now Unlikely As Boston Loses Interest

With the Celtics opting to sign Jermaine O'Neal, it would appear that they found their big man for the next couple of years. Which is why it makes sense that, according to FanHouse's Chris Tomasson, Boston's interest in free agent Shaquille O'Neal is no longer considered mutual.

O'Neal also is interested in Boston but the source said he realizes the Celtics don't have much interest in him. A source confirmed to Povtak on Wednesday that, while the Celtics have great respect for Shaq, he would disrupt their chemistry.

The source goes on to say that the Spurs and Hawks are now at the top of Shaq's list, "since there is interest with those teams on both sides."

O'Neal, 38, wants to play two more season.

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Tony Allen To Re-Sign With Celtics

It looks like the Celtics not only will return the Big Three for 2010, but also their biggest defender off the bench in Tony Allen:

According to CSNNE's Greg Dickerson, free agent Tony Allen will re-sign with Boston.

Dickerson broke the news while co-hosting Sports Tonight on Thursday.

"I'm told that Tony Allen's not going anywhere," Dickerson said. "He's staying here."

Details of the deal were not discussed.

Allen was called upon in many games last season to defend the opposing team's best shooter. He averaged 6.1 points per game last year:

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Report: Jermaine O'Neal Now 'Leaning Toward' Signing With Boston Celtics

Earlier we noted an ESPN report that said free agent center Jermaine O’Neal had cut his list of teams to three: Boston, Dallas and Denver.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports is now reporting that Boston is the favorite to acquire O’Neal’s services.

Free-agent center Jermaine O’Neal is leaning toward signing a contract with the Boston Celtics, but still hasn’t reached a final decision, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

O’Neal, 31, has narrowed his choices to the Celtics and Denver Nuggets, sources said. The Dallas Mavericks have been a strong consideration, too.

Wojnarowski also reports that Boston’s offer is for the mid-level exception (roughly $5.8 million) for each of the next two seasons.

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Jermaine O'Neal Has Narrowed Down His Choices To Three Teams, Including Celtics

Another alternative in the Celtics' big-man search has emerged. Jermaine O'Neal, a free agent center, has told ESPN that he has narrowed down his choices to three teams: the Mavericks, Nuggets and Celtics.

"Those are my favorites," O'Neal told ESPN.com "Those are teams that are going to compete [for a championship] next year."

O'Neal said he's still deliberating between the three teams -- all believed to be offering a portion of the mid-level exception to sign him -- and called the decision perhaps "the most important of my career because I know this is kind of my last run at it" in terms of title-chasing.

O'Neal, an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career at 31 years old, spent his past two seasons with Miami, and in 2009-10, he averaged 13.6 points and 6.9 rebounds in about 28 minutes per game (his lowest total since the 1999-2000 campaign with Portland).

With Kenrdick Perkins out until December (at least), and Rasheed Wallace retiring, Boston is actively looking to sign a big man through free agency, to the point they're even taking meetings with Kwame Brown. O'Neal obviously wouldn't provide any kind of long-term answer, but for now, he'd be a good addition, says CelticsBlog.

This I am okay with. Jermaine O'Neal is not a long term solution by any means, but he is like that old piece of scrap wood you use to keep your window open in summer time; Won't last forever, but it'll do for now.

For all things Celtics, visit SB Nation's CelticsBlog.

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Kwame Brown To Meet With Celtics On Wednesday

No good can come of this: the Celtics reportedly have interest in free agent Kwame Brown, the (terribly disappointing) No. 1 overall draft pick from 2001, and both Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers plan to meet with him on Wednesday.

"We're checking out a lot of possibilities - it's still very early in the process," Danny Ainge said today of what is certain to be a broad casting call for big men, including Shaquille O'Neal. [...]

The 6-11 Brown spent the last two seasons with the Pistons, and in strictly a backup (13.8 minutes per game) role averaged more rebounds (3.7) than points (3.3) last season. But his value as a shot blocker (0.6 career average) may be what the Celtics are looking at now.

Brown, of, course, is better known as one of the greatest draft disappointments of all time. Michael Jordan selected him for Washington with the first pick of the 2001 draft, and as the first high school player to ever go with the No. 1 pick, Brown never came close to living up to his draft pedigree.

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Ray Allen Will Continue To Wait To See Where Other Free Agents Sign

After securing the returns of both Paul Pierce and Doc Rivers, the Celtics are making re-signing Ray Allen their next focus. Ray Allen, meanwhile, is perfectly fine just sitting around and waiting to see where the big-name free agents end-up -- LeBron James, Dywane Wade and Chris Bosh.

If James does stay in Cleveland, the Cavs would only have the mid-level exception to offer Allen and they also need help in the center department. If James goes elsewhere, those teams would have cap money to spend on supporting players, but they are all basically building teams from scratch and it's unclear how much of that precious cap room they would be willing to use on Allen.

Both the Knicks and Heat are in desperate need of point guards, while the Nets would have to bring along an expensive power forwards to entice James. The Bulls may be the wild card in this scenario since they have a ready-made team in place for either James or Dwyane Wade, and Allen already has an existing relationship with new coach Tom Thibodeau.

While Ray Allen has said he will give the Celtics "every chance of re-signing him," it's no secret that LeBron is actively recruiting him to become a teammate.

Like most of the free agents this summer, it seems like we won't have an answer for Ray Allen until LeBron makes up his mind. And so we wait.

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Celtics Eyeing Shaq, Shaq Eyeing Celtics

Shaquille O’Neal is drawing attention from numerous teams, including the Boston Celtics, per ESPN.com.

O’Neal would presumably be a mid-level exception signing if he were to join the team. Given the fact that Kendrick Perkins won’t be back until the season is well under way, and the Celtics’ lack of rebounding off the bench, O’Neal might make sense for Boston.

For what it’s worth, O’Neal has also expressed interest in the Celtics, and would likely fit in well with a group of players he respects.

At 38-years-old, the question would have to be how well Shaq could hold up in a starting role while Kendrick Perkins is out. Last year, O’Neal only played in 53 regular season games, averaging 23.4 minutes a game.

For all things Celtics, visit SB Nation's CelticsBlog. And for more from SB Nation Boston, be sure to follow us on Twitter.

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Celtics Rumored To Be Interested In Brendan Haywood

While it's been little secret that the Celtics are interested in free agent Brad Miller (and vice versa), he's not the only big man that has drawn the team's eye as a possible replacement for injured Kendrick Perkins. According to CSNNE.com's A. Sherrod Blakely, Boston has also inquired about the Mavericks' Brendan Haywood.

Prior to being traded to the Mavericks last season, Haywood was having one of his best seasons in the NBA with the Washington Wizards, averaging a near double-double with 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds. [...]

Still, Haywood is a big body with experience who has proven himself a solid NBA big man who even with a healthy Kendrick Perkins, would battle for a starting job.

While Perkins is the better defender, Haywood has a better touch around the basket.

The Celtics could acquire Haywood, an unrestricted free agent, by signing him straight-up or by doing a sign-and-trade with Rasheed Wallace's contract, which Dallas could but out at a reduced amount, allowing them some extra financial flexibility.

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Celtics Reportedly First To Contact Free Agent David Lee

According Fox Sports' Jeff Goodman, the Celtics were the first team to make contact with free agent David Lee after the clock turned to 12:01 a.m. Thursday morning.

The 6-foot-9 Lee, 27, played in all 81 regular season games for the New York Knicks last season, averaging 20.2 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. It was Lee's best season, having averaged 13 points and 9.6 rebounds per contest throughout his five-year pro career.

David Lee has spent all five years in the NBA with the Knicks.

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Celtics Reportedly 'Reach Out' To Brad Miller

The Celtics have been relatively quiet on Thursday, day one of the 2010 NBA free agency period. But via the Globe's Gary Washburn comes this bit of news: Boston has "reached out" to unrestricted free agent center Brad Miller, according to sources, and Miller's interest is "mutual."

"The Celtics are a great franchise," Miller's agent, Mark Bartelstein said. "It certainly a team when they are interested, you're crazy not to listen. Danny and Doc do a great job. Brad loves the way the Celtics play. That's why they get into it all the time. They're very competitive; he's very competitive. We'll certainly talk to them and see what happens. It's a real interesting fit. We'll talk to Danny and see what happens here."

• almost 3 years ago
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Report: Celtics Shopping Rasheed Wallace's Contract, Eying J.J. Redick

Even though all signs point toward Rasheed Wallace retiring this offseason, he has not yet officially filed his retirement papers, which means the Celtics are allowed to trade his contract. If GM Danny Ainge is able to move the 15-year veteran's rights, which he is reportedly trying to do, it would allow the team to keep their midlevel exception. A midlevel exception that would then possibly get used on J.J. Redick, a restricted free agent with Orlando.

Wallace has yet to file retirement papers, so the $6.32 million owed him next season and $6.79 million in 2011-12 would come off a team's books after Wallace is traded to them. They could do a deal and not take on his money. Ainge is trying to use the Wallace contract to bring back a power forward or center to replace Wallace and the injured Kendrick Perkins.

The Celtics could then use their midlevel exception for a different player. Several sources believe that Ainge's target is Orlando's J.J. Redick, who is a restricted free agent.

Though SB Nation's CelticsBlog speculates that the money freed up by trading 'Sheed's contract would be used on a replacement big man rather than Redick.

it could be that Rasheed Wallace's contract gets used to trade for a wing or shooting guard. If that is the case then his contract would then open up the Celtics to use the MLE on a big man that would be available such as Brad Miller, Jermaine O'Neal, Erick Dampier(he will be a free agent before this summer is very old), Brandon Haywood, or some such player.

• almost 3 years ago
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Free Agency And Celtics' Offseason: Team's Backup Plan Expected To Stay In Atlanta

If the Celtics are unable to re-sign Paul Pierce, it is rumored that they would then make a big push to land Joe Johnson. Hopefully, they can re-sign Paul Pierce, because according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, Johnson is close to agreeing to a maximum contract deal that would keep him in Atlanta for another six years.

The Atlanta Hawks offered Joe Johnson a six-year, $119 million contract Thursday morning, and sources close to the All-Star guard expect him to accept the max deal soon.

The Hawks moved quickly at midnight ET to try to secure their franchise star and offered the contract that Johnson's agent Arn Tellem sought from the organization. Sources say ownership OK'd the max offer and general manager Rick Sund delivered it in Los Angeles.

If Johnson does accept the deal that is one less option for the Celtics. Danny Ainge might have to figure out a new backup plan.

• almost 3 years ago
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Rumor: LeBron James Could Be Targeting Ray Allen

LeBron James, as we all know, is a mad scientist. He wants to get himself, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh all together on the same team to form the new "Dream Team." Or, you know, the new "Big Three."

Now it looks like LeBron could be targeting free agent Ray Allen to join said "Dream Team":

LeBron James is calling the possible union of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and of course, the King himself, "Dream Team."

Those were the words James used when he reached out to another free agent in the past 10 days and pitched the idea of joining them.

"He said, 'Would you be willing to take less to join Dream Team?'" the player, who did not want to be identified, told the Daily News. "He said his people were putting it together."

Allen would seem to fit the puzzle as he would be the "shooter" of the group:

I've come across a source who has told me that free agent player could be Ray Allen. The source tells me that Allen has spoken to James and his preference is to remain with the Celtics, but that's predicated on Paul Pierce remaining with the team. The money is not a huge factor. Winning more championships is the most important factor.

According to the source, Allen has spoken to James and would consider joining said, "Dream Team." Along with possibly taking less money if it was the perfect opportunity.

LeBron, Bosh, Wade and Allen all together in the Eastern Conference. Now that's scary.

• almost 3 years ago
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Could Joe Johnson Be Wearing Celtics' Green Again?

Joe Johnson was drafted 10th overall in 2001by the Celtics. Fourty-eight games into his pro career, he was traded to the Suns (with Milt Palacio. Milt Palacio!), therefore ending his Celtics career.

But it looks like the C's could be going back after their 2001 first-round draft pick:

Johnson is no Paul Pierce, but he's not a bad backup option, either. Johnson has averaged more than 20 points per game the last five seasons. He'll also be just 29 next season.

• almost 3 years ago
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Ray Allen Could Demand Mid-Level Exception Money

While much of the early focus in this very early 2010 Celtics' offseason has been on Doc Rivers and Paul Pierce, it seems worth reminding that Ray Allen is also a free agent. And in the same article from the Boston Herald which talked of the team's meeting with Pierce's representatives, it also touches on just how much it may cost to resign the veteran shooter.

One league official recently placed Allen's value on the wildly competitive free agent market at approximately mid-level exception range, or about $5.6 million. This takes into account the number of premium players who will be contending for max contract money, the number of second-tier free agents and even some thought to be max-level honing in on Rajon Rondo-level money, or roughly $11 million per season.

Both Miami and Cleveland have been mentioned as possible destination for Allen, as both teams look to bolster their outside shooting.

But from the beginning (literally, right after Game 7), Allen has made it clear he prefers to stay in Boston: “I’ll deal with that when the time comes, but it’s obvious that I don’t want to be anywhere else."

• almost 3 years ago
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CelticsBlog: Paul Pierce Isn't Going Anywhere

One of the potentially biggest offseason concerns for the Celtics is Paul Pierce, and his looming player option, which if he decides to exercise, would add his name to the star-studded 2010 free agent class. If he opts to stay with Boston, the team would owe him $21.5 million.

The team is wasting little time in dealing with this, having already scheduled a meeting with Pierce's representatives for after Thursday's NBA Draft.

Though it's unclear whether it will involve a restructuring of Pierce's deal, which has two years remaining, or even an extension, his camp hasn't sent a proposal or a plan to management.

Though, as CelticsBlog writes, it seems no matter what does Pierce does, ultimately, he will still be a member of the Celtics in 2010-11.

Paul Pierce is going to remain a Celtic.  If he picks up his option to stay, he'll be paid $21M for next season.  If he opts out of his last year to become a free agent, the intent will be to restructure his deal to add years to it.  The big value there is the uncertainty of the year after next where the league faces a collective bargaining agreement battle.  If there's a prolonged strike or lockout, it could prevent free agents (like Pierce would be if he doesn't restructure his deal) from getting another deal.  If the work stoppage lasts all year, all the players could lose a whole year of money and a free agent like Pierce would be that much older.

• almost 3 years ago
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With Nine Free Agents And A Pierce Option, Celtics' Offseason Full Of Questions

This summer promises to be one of the more interesting and possibly tumultuous offseasons in recent memory for the Celtics. Not only is Doc Rivers considering retiring, but the team faces numerous question marks in regards to the current roster and who may or may not be back next season.

CelticsBlog provides a comprehensive and quick look at the commitment status of all 15 players on Boston's active roster as of Game 7 in the NBA Finals.

Tony Allen - free agent

Ray Allen - free agent

Marquis Daniels - free agent

Glen Davis - under contract for one more year

Michael Finley - free agent (retiring?)

Tony Gaffney - free agent (summer league invite?)

Kevin Garnett - under contract for 2 more years

Oliver Lafayette - free agent (summer league invite?)

Kendrick Perkins - under contract for one more year but hurt

Paul Pierce - opt out option

Nate Robinson - free agent

Rajon Rondo - locked up (thank goodness)

Brian Scalabrine - free agent - I'm starting my "keep Scal as an assistant coach campaign" now

Rasheed Wallace - pondering retirement - possible buyout?

Shelden Williams - free agent

Assuming that Pierce stays with Boston and does not exercise his option, and that 'Sheed retires, the Celtics are currently in position to have just five players under contract for next year (Big Baby, KG, Perkins, Rondo and Pierce).

Should make for quite the interesting summer, indeed.