Rivers confident Celts will get Allen, Green

Speaking to ESPNBoston.com [1] Sunday, Celtics coach Doc Rivers expressed confidence that his team would be able to secure the services of both unrestricted free agents Ray Allen and Jeff Green.

Regarding Allen, who is drawing interest from the Heat (who can offer the guard the mini-mid-level exception of $3 million), the Grizzlies (who can offer the mid-level exception of $5 million) and the Suns, Rivers said, "We really want him back and I really think at the end of the day that he will be back because this is such a good fit for him. We need him back and we're trying to get him back. We can offer him more money. Yes, there are a couple of teams way under the cap who might be able to offer more money. But other than that, we can offer him more [than Miami or Memphis]. He already lives here. He knows his role and everything else. It's a stretch for me to see him go somewhere else."

Rivers was even more decisive regarding the Celtics' pursuit of Green.

"We're going after Jeff. We're going to get Jeff. I believe that, yes," the coach said. "Obviously, you never know, until it's signed, but Jeff has a great relationship with the team, the players, and he really wants to play here. So I think if we get the numbers right, he'll definitely come to us. And if we don't, if somebody comes in and blows him away, then it's a business thing because I really think he wants to play in Boston. He loves the crowds. He wants to play here and that gives us an advantage."

Free agents can't officially sign with teams until July 11, although they may agree to terms as early as Sunday.

To read the entire report, click here. [1]For more Celtics news, go to the team page at weei.com/celtics [2].