According to CSNNE.com [1], citing a league source, forward Mickael Pietrus -- who was released by the Phoenix Suns -- is leaning "heavily" towards signing with the Celtics once he clears waivers on Saturday. The agent for Pietrus, Bill McCandless, told the website that the Celtics are on the player's short list of desirable destinations.
"He's only 29, so he's not like Charles Barkley or some other older players running around, chasing a championship," McCandless said. "But he wants to be with a playoff team, and have a chance to contribute."
Pietrus, the 11th overall pick in the 2003 draft, averaged 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 0.6 assists in 19.4 minutes per night while playing 57 games for the Magic and Suns last season. The Celtics currently have an open spot on their roster after making their final three preseason cuts on Thursday. With Jeff Green out for the season, the Celtics could present a meaningful opportunity for a role player.
The Suns and Raptors had agreed on a trade earlier this month that would have sent Pietrus to Toronto, but the trade was nixed due to concerns over Pietrus' knee (dating to an injury he incurred in March). However, the CSNNE.com report suggested that the knee is no longer an issue.
For more on the potential addition of Pietrus to the Celtics, visit the Green Street blog [2]. For more Celtics coverage, visit weei.com/celtics [3].
Links:
[1] http://www.csnne.com/blog/celtics-talk/post/Pietrus-leaning-heavily-towards-signing-?blockID=617716&feedID=3352
[2] http://bit.ly/rIvQYo
[3] http://www.weei.com/celtics
[4] http://www.weei.com/category/boston/celtics