pokeinokc
07-01-2008, 12:16 PM
Posey is Celtics' top target
JAMES POSEY Officially a free agent
Email|Print|Single Page| Text size – + By Marc J. Spears
Globe Staff / July 1, 2008
For the NBA champion Celtics, free agency begins today with James Posey as the primary focus. Most other personnel matters will be handled after Posey's situation is settled.
One move was made last night when the franchise failed to make Tony Allen a qualifying offer, thus making the guard an unrestricted free agent, according to his agent, Mike Higgins.
The arrival of draft picks J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker definitely hurt Allen's chances to return to Boston.
"Obviously they had some tough decisions to make," Higgins said late last night. "With the number they're at [player wise] they couldn't sign everybody. For the past month, he knew they were either going to make him an offer or they weren't. He understood."
The 6-foot-4-inch, 213-pound Allen averaged 6.6 points and 2.2 rebounds last season after missing most of the previous season following left knee surgery.
The Celtics have a number of other free agents, including forward-center P.J. Brown, guards Eddie House and Sam Cassell, and center Scot Pollard. Boston could have interest in outside free agents such as Dallas guard Tyronn Lue and New Orleans center Chris Andersen. But according to general manager Danny Ainge, the Celtics' immediate focus is on re-signing Posey. While negotiations can begin today, free agents can't sign until July 8.
"Posey will be a guy we'll be talking to right away," Ainge said yesterday. "He's a top priority for us. Once we start there, we'll move toward other free agents and go from there."
As expected, Posey's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said his client officially became a free agent yesterday after not exercising the second year of his contract with Boston. He was due to make $3.2 million. The 6-8, 217-pounder averaged 7.4 points and 4.4 rebounds in 24.6 minutes per game last season. The Sixth Man candidate also made key plays and shots during the playoffs.
While Bartelstein didn't mention teams, he did say Posey is expected to get "a lot of interest" and could visit other teams. The Pistons and Lakers could be among the teams interested. The Celtics can offer the mid-level exception, which is expected to be about $5.8 million next season. Bartelstein, however, also noted that Posey would like to return to Boston and has said his client is comfortable with the franchise's financial limitations. To land Posey, the Celtics might have to offer a multiyear deal.
"It absolutely has no meaning about how he feels toward the Celtics," said Bartelstein, about Posey opting out. "It is strictly a decision that was in place last year when he signed his contract. Danny and I talked about it. James contributed to a championship and got his proper value. All along the hope was that he would help them win a championship and sign a new contract."
On why it's important for Boston to retain Posey, Ainge said: "He just knows how to play. Shooting. A lot of intangibles."
The Celtics will introduce draft picks Giddens, Walker, and center Semih Erden today.
Ainge said Brown, 38, seems to be leaning toward retirement, but the Celtics would welcome him back. Brown will determine his future after spending time with his family.
While Cassell has said he expects to return, a source close to the situation said Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas also have interest in his services. Bartelstein said the Celtics seem interested in bringing back another one of his clients, House, but other teams are interested as well. Bartelstein also said Pollard is recovering well from surgeries on both ankles that ended his season prematurely and still wants to play next season.
JAMES POSEY Officially a free agent
Email|Print|Single Page| Text size – + By Marc J. Spears
Globe Staff / July 1, 2008
For the NBA champion Celtics, free agency begins today with James Posey as the primary focus. Most other personnel matters will be handled after Posey's situation is settled.
One move was made last night when the franchise failed to make Tony Allen a qualifying offer, thus making the guard an unrestricted free agent, according to his agent, Mike Higgins.
The arrival of draft picks J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker definitely hurt Allen's chances to return to Boston.
"Obviously they had some tough decisions to make," Higgins said late last night. "With the number they're at [player wise] they couldn't sign everybody. For the past month, he knew they were either going to make him an offer or they weren't. He understood."
The 6-foot-4-inch, 213-pound Allen averaged 6.6 points and 2.2 rebounds last season after missing most of the previous season following left knee surgery.
The Celtics have a number of other free agents, including forward-center P.J. Brown, guards Eddie House and Sam Cassell, and center Scot Pollard. Boston could have interest in outside free agents such as Dallas guard Tyronn Lue and New Orleans center Chris Andersen. But according to general manager Danny Ainge, the Celtics' immediate focus is on re-signing Posey. While negotiations can begin today, free agents can't sign until July 8.
"Posey will be a guy we'll be talking to right away," Ainge said yesterday. "He's a top priority for us. Once we start there, we'll move toward other free agents and go from there."
As expected, Posey's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said his client officially became a free agent yesterday after not exercising the second year of his contract with Boston. He was due to make $3.2 million. The 6-8, 217-pounder averaged 7.4 points and 4.4 rebounds in 24.6 minutes per game last season. The Sixth Man candidate also made key plays and shots during the playoffs.
While Bartelstein didn't mention teams, he did say Posey is expected to get "a lot of interest" and could visit other teams. The Pistons and Lakers could be among the teams interested. The Celtics can offer the mid-level exception, which is expected to be about $5.8 million next season. Bartelstein, however, also noted that Posey would like to return to Boston and has said his client is comfortable with the franchise's financial limitations. To land Posey, the Celtics might have to offer a multiyear deal.
"It absolutely has no meaning about how he feels toward the Celtics," said Bartelstein, about Posey opting out. "It is strictly a decision that was in place last year when he signed his contract. Danny and I talked about it. James contributed to a championship and got his proper value. All along the hope was that he would help them win a championship and sign a new contract."
On why it's important for Boston to retain Posey, Ainge said: "He just knows how to play. Shooting. A lot of intangibles."
The Celtics will introduce draft picks Giddens, Walker, and center Semih Erden today.
Ainge said Brown, 38, seems to be leaning toward retirement, but the Celtics would welcome him back. Brown will determine his future after spending time with his family.
While Cassell has said he expects to return, a source close to the situation said Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas also have interest in his services. Bartelstein said the Celtics seem interested in bringing back another one of his clients, House, but other teams are interested as well. Bartelstein also said Pollard is recovering well from surgeries on both ankles that ended his season prematurely and still wants to play next season.