Celtics Offer Contract To Rasheed

The Boston Herald reports

The Celtics met with Rasheed Wallace this afternoon in Detroit, according to a well-placed league source close to the negotiations, and offered the free agent center a contract.

According to the source, the Cs have offered Wallace a two-year contract, starting with the $5.8 million mid-level exception. Danny Ainge, the team’s executive director of basketball operations, Kevin Garnett and co-owner Wyc Grousbeck represented the Celtics.

When will Wallace decide?

Though Wallace is fielding these pitches relatively early in the free agency process, teams have been warned that he may take some time before making a decision.

So, Wallace is their first choice?

With Wallace clearly Plan A for the Cs, the rest of the field is apparently Plan B. Their interest in Grant Hill, for instance, is said to be of a low priority while the Celtics have a chance of signing Wallace.

Considering that Wallace is expected to command the full mid-level exception, further free agent signings by the Celtics would be limited to the veteran’s minimum of $1.9 million.

The article also says that Rasheed Wallace is scheduled to talk to San Antonio and Cleveland also. Charlotte and Orlando are two other teams who may be interested in Rasheed.

The Timetable

I’d expect Rasheed to take a week or two before making up his mind about where to sign. This is a dangerous period because the other top MLE candidates could be off the board by the time Wallace decides, and that would be terrible news for Boston if Wallace did indeed sign with someone else.

The Celtics should not give Wallace an ultimatum, a sign here by or never at all, by a date just a few days away (say July 6th). That will almost surely turn him away from the club and eliminate any chance Boston has of getting their man. They’re going to have to wait this one out … of course, they could set a far off deadline (say two weeks time), and feel okay about that.

Shades Of Posey?

Danny Ainge offered two years. Rasheed Wallace wants three years. Rasheed Wallace is looking for a better offer and will very likely take the improved offer if he receives it.

Anyone else reminded of Posey?

I wouldn’t be surprised if Danny ups his offer to three years down the road, matching someone else’s offer.

Final Thoughts

I think the chances are good that Rasheed Wallace joins the Celtics. They’ve pursued him hard, made a good offer, and offer an attractive Championship caliber situation.

San Antonio would be the main worry because they can offer a starting job, and more minutes, to Rasheed Wallace or another big man.