The Celtics made an offer to Corey Maggette. No they didn't. Yes they did. So, did they or didn't they?
First, the Globe said that the Celtics made an offer to both Posey and Maggette on the first day of free agency.
The Celtics have made contract offers to two forwards: Their own free agent, James Posey, and Clippers free agent Corey Maggette, sources told the Boston Globe. The most the Celtics could offer is the mid-level exception (about $5.8 million), and it's doubtful that they could sign both players. The terms of the offers were not disclosed.
So, Celtics fandom spent the day trying to figure out how they planned to sign both if both accepted the offers. Did they offer Posey the MLE and Maggette the LLE or veteran's minumim and a chance for a ring? Or, did they offer Posey a non-Bird rights contract and Maggette the MLE? Or, some were even speculating that they were offering Ray to the Clippers in a sign and trade for Maggette. Speculation was running rampant. Then, the next day, Danny threw some water on the fire as this article appeared in the Herald:A team source insisted no offer was made to the former Clippers swingman, though Danny Ainge reportedly has talked to a number of players, including Maggette, as he attempts to build a pool of candidates in the event his top priority - signing James Posey - falls through.
OK, so Danny didn't make an offer to Maggette. But then, in today's Globe there is this: A day after talking with Celtics coach Doc Rivers, a longtime family friend, Clippers free agent forward Corey Maggette said he is seriously considering an offer to join the NBA champions.
Maggette said he is still in awe about being contacted by the Celtics and has been mulling over their contract offer as well as interest from several other teams.
An NBA source said the Celtics offered Magette the full midlevel exception, expected to be worth $5.8 million.
It gets curiouser and curiouser. So, Danny did make an offer to Maggette. According to this, he offered the full MLE to Maggette, but the same article says they offered only 12 million/3 years to Posey. Now, to me, getting Posey back is more important than luring Maggette. If they are willing to offer Maggette the full MLE, why not Posey. If they would go the full MLE over 3 years maybe Posey would consider it. Posey is a defensive stopper. Maggette is not. Defense wins championships. Enough said. If it takes a 4 year full MLE contract to keep Posey, Danny needs to do it. He is a winner if he goes to one of our rivals, he immediately puts them into title contention.
All this as the San Antonio Express News reports that the Spurs are at the head of the line for Maggette's services as he is leaning toward going to the Spurs. And also the Philly Inquirer reports that Maggette is expected there next week. The Sixers are also talking to Josh Smith and Josh Childress. The LA Times reports that the Warriors are also trying to lure Maggette as they await news from Elton Brand on their offer to him. Hoopsworld reports that Maggette has narrowed his choices to the Spurs and the Celtics. It has been reported that the Lakers have offered a 5 year full MLE deal to Posey and if Boston doesn't match it, he will likely leave. Unlike most free agents, Posey has already won 2 rings and for him it is about the money. Although, wherever Posey goes, he will likely make them a winner as well. More on this to come, I am sure.
Along with the offer to Posey and maybe offer to Maggette, Danny has been working out some other free agents in addition to the mini camp that ends today. The same Globe article lists center David Harrison, swingman Kirk Snyder, center Patrick O'Bryant, forward Darius Miles and Chris Andersen. Of that group, my choice would be Andersen.
Other free agent news includes Gilbert Arenas agreeing to a $111 million 6 year deal. This is $16 million less than the max deal that the Wizards offered him. Arenas had this to say about the deal: "I'm basically giving back $16 million,'' Arenas told the Washington Times. "This is in line with what I've been saying the whole time. You see players take max deals and they financially bind their teams. I don't wanna be one of those players and three years down the road your team is strapped and can't do anything about it.''
Newsday is reporting that Monta Ellis has received interest from 9 teams including the Knicks. Ellis reportedly is very interested in joining the Knicks. With new management and a real coach in Mike D'Antoni, New York is no longer the cesspool it was under Isiah Thomas and free agents are interested in going there. Last season the Lakers-Celtics rivalry was renewed. Could the Knicks-Celtics rivalry be renewed this season?
ESPN Insider reports that the Mavs would like to re-sign Tyronn Lue but he is looking hard at Boston and Phoenix. No mention has been made in the Globe or Herald about any offer being made to Lue, but it wouldn't be surprising if they did since Lue is one of KG's best friends. I still think re-signing House and going with Pruitt is a better avenue for the Celtics to take since Eddie can play both guard spots very adequately and Pruitt seems to be poised to make a leap this season. Speaking about Phoenix, they are still searching for a back up point. Think they would like to take back that deal to send Rondo to Boston?
[Discuss this topic on the Celtics Green Forums!]
|
