The first day of free agency didn't disappoint. There were lots of rumors and there was a lot of activity. After locking up KG for the next 3 years, Danny was free to turn his attention to free agency and he was active on several fronts according to reports.

First and foremost, Danny said his number one priority was Ray Allen.  Ray got the expected $3 million offer from Miami and also a 2 year offer at $5 million per year from the Grizzlies.  The Clippers, Suns and Knicks are also interested in making Ray an offer as well.  The Celtics have doubled up on what the Heat can offer and have put a 2 year/$12 million offer on the table for Ray to consider.   The Celtics have a couple of things going for them.  Ray and his family are settled in Boston.  Ray's son Walker has juvenile diabetes and Ray has been very involved in the Joslin Diabetes Clinic in Boston, which is the preeminent diabetes research and clinical care organization in the world.   That has to weigh into his decision on whether or not to leave the Boston area.  He is concerned about his role on the team and I would think that his role on the Celtics will be as prominent as on any other team, whether he starts or not.  My guess is that if Danny includes a no trade clause they can get it done.

There are also reports that the Celtics are close to signing Jeff Green.  Green has said all along that he wants to be in Boston and stayed close to the team throughout last season while recovering from his heart surgery.  He was often at games and in the locker room just hanging out with the team.  His agent was very impressed with how the Celtics handled his situation after being diagnosed with the heart problem.  He is also Jared Sullinger's agent and has to feel kindly toward the team that took a chance on him and his red flagged back.  Hopefully they can get it done without breaking the bank since Green still needs to prove himself both with the Celtics and after the surgery.


The Celtics are also meeting with Brandon Bass's agent and are hoping to keep him in the fold.  Bass has several other teams inquiring about him as well.  With the crazy contracts being given out to big men in the league,  you have to wonder if possibly Bass will get a big offer from another team and choose more money over Boston.  But the Celtics are making an effort to try to bring him back and that's all they can do at this point. 

Marcus Camby is a free agent and has said that the Celtics are on his short list of teams he'd like to go to, along with the Knicks, Heat, Spurs, Mavs, and Rockets.  Camby would be a nice addition to the Celtics. At 38 years old, he'd fit right in with the Celtics very veteran core.  He would be coming home to finish his career where it started at the University of Massachusetts.  He still has a lot to offer off the bench for a contending team.  Also on the radar is Rashard Lewis, if and when he clears waivers.  On a vet minimum contract, he'd be a good pick up, but wouldn't be my first choice. 

Moving on to the wings, the Celtics have reportedly reached out to Jason Terry, OJ Mayo, Jamal Crawford, Nick Young, Josh Howard, and Gerald Green.   Of that bunch,  former Celtic Gerald Green may be the most economic choice,  especially if Ray comes back.  He played very well for the Nets last season and has matured since his last go with the Celtics.  Word is that even if the Celtics sign Ray, they still want to add another scoring wing to the mix.

The Celtics made Greg Stiemsma a qualifying offer and thus can match any offer that he gets.  He was meeting with the Timberwolves on Sunday and I imagine he will have more teams looking at him, especially with how crazy the market for big men has been so far.   Omar Asik  got an offer from Houston to the tune of 3 years/$25 million and his stats were comparable to Greg's and so, even though Stiemsma has stated that his first choice is to stay in Boston,  it would be difficult to turn down an offer like that, and the Celtics couldn't match.

It's been a very busy free agent period and we've only gotten past the first day.  It should be a fun summer.  The Celtics' draft picks should be introduced today and next up is Orlando and Vegas summer leagues.  It's going to be a fun summer and, with KG back in the fold, some exciting young players, and a few free agents to boot, it should be a fun season.  Stay tuned...

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