There are a lot of questions being asked about the Celtics free agent plans and draft night strategy and even some straight answers given, as in this report
from Bill Burt of the "Lawrence Eagle Tribune," as long ago as July 2nd.
The Celtics forward (Posey), who officially became a free agent yesterday, has basically been told, via his agent Mark Bartelstein, that the Celtics will not enter a bidding war. And I mean not even close to a bidding war. The Celtics ownership group has told Danny Ainge & Co. that Posey's dream of twentysomething million isn't happening here....the Celtics would like to keep that mid-level exception open...some interesting veterans might want that slot (see Corey Maggette) and shot at a championship for one season. That would mean Posey taking another deal in the $3.5 million vicinity, probably for one or at most two seasons. Celtics owners would have to be convinced, too. And I'm not sure if they would do that.As has been noted, most answers, just lead me to more questions...... With a gaping hole at back up center, more glaring with Kedrick Perkins' (can we now say chronic?) shoulder problems why has the team drafted two wing players and made overtures (if not a "formal offer") to a free agent at the same position, which is theoretically manned here by two all-stars? Does it take a grassy knoll freak to wonder about Paul Pierce's knee? There were several reports from "team sources" that he had indeed torn the cartilage which was why he refused to take an MRI during the playoffs. Could the interest in Maggette be linked to impending knee surgery on the captain? Or, even more off the wall...I have another theory.....do you remember early to mid season reports that Ray Allen was not happy here? It wasn't about lack of shots in the offense or any on court situations, but word leaked out of the locker room that he really didn't like Kevin Garnette's demeanor and foul language or Paul Pierce's life style and would grin and bear it for the season, but had already asked to be traded once the campaign had been concluded. I'll give you another wrinkle here; a writer who covers the Clippers has stated that L.A. has long coveted Ray and is it too much of a stretch to consider that perhaps the confusion over the offer/non-offer to Maggette has to do with a possible sign and trade that is being contemplated? Think of a Clippers team with Elton Brand, Baron Davis and Ray Allen? Instant contenders? If there is a sign and trade of course, there would have to be more than Maggette headed this way........is GM Elgin Baylor so pissed at Chris Kaman for going to play in the Olympics for Germany, a country he's never even visited, that he'd include him in such a deal....perhaps taking back Leon Powe? Add in the surprising move by first round draftee J.R. Giddens (who is represented by the the same agency as Posey, by the way) to head home and miss the rookie and free agent camp, as noted by Mark Murphy in the Herald on July 3rd........
The issue, according to his agent, is complicated. "There's a lot of unusual circumstances with the Celtics and their salary structure, considering that they're coming off the championship and things like that," Mark Bartlestein said. "It's really complicated. So much is going on, and they're trying to figure out where they are with the luxury tax, things like that. So we'll see how it goes."....and again in his column from this morning.....
Indeed, management's deliberations are so complicated right now, impending rookie J.R. Giddens was advised to go home instead of participating in last week's minicamp. The process of fitting his basic contract (a slotted $797,600 for the first year) into the overall Celtics scheme was too complex to complete right away.So what is exactly going on here? Is it just the Celtics trying to emulate the Patriots and Red Sox? Those other local franchises let key players walk in the face of salary and length of contract issues and never looked back. Remember Adam Vinatieri,Lawyer Malloy, Pedro Martinez and Johny Damon? Stay tuned....if nothing else it will be an entertaining summer. If you want to participate in the show you can call our toll free number (1.866.751.9649), send us an e-mail to CSL@CelticsBlog.com, or join us in the "Pit" (the chat) during the broadcast. We hope you will join us.
