C's will use mid-level exception on Terry

LAS VEGAS -- The Celtics tried to work a sign-and-trade deal for free agent guard Jason Terry, but they will instead use the mid-level exception to sign Terry, team president Danny Ainge said. A deal should be announced soon, possibly as early as Wednesday.

The Mavericks forced the C's hand with the signing of O.J. Mayo, but pulling off a deal became a daunting task when the Mavs elected to use their cap space on a number of free agents including Chris Kaman and Elton Brand. The Celtics tried to get a third team involved to facilitate the deal but couldn't find a taker.

With Terry accepting the mid-level, the capped-out C's will have to swing a sign-and-trade for another guard, such as Courtney Lee. That may prove even more difficult as the Celtics have few assets for such a maneuver. The Rockets landed Jeremy Lin on Tuesday night and will likely extend an offer sheet to restricted free agent center Omer Asik by the end of the week.

A Houston official was noncommittal about any sign-and-trade talks involving Lee and the Celtics, but the Rockets would be willing to listen to a pitch after they rescinded their qualifying offer at the beginning of free agency, making Lee an unrestricted free agent.

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