Reports: Celtics to sign Darko Milicic

Are the Celtics interested in signing free agent center Darko Milicic? That's the gist of a report from Novostri.rs and helpfully translated and passed along via Sportando [1]. Per the report, the erstwhile Darko turned down a three-year, $6 million deal from Real Madrid to stay in the NBA. 

Darko was waived via the amnesty clause by the Timberwolves this summer, leaving the Wolves on the hook for his $5.2 million salary this season. Milicic passed through waivers without a claim, making him a free agent and meaning the Celtics could sign him for the veteran minimum. 

The C's have 13 players under guaranteed contract, leaving two roster spots open, and they have a notable lack of depth at the center position behind Kevin Garnett. Veteran free agent Jason Collins was brought in from Atlanta and Chris Wilcox also can fill the role. 

Milicic was famously drafted second overall by the Pistons in 2003 ahead of players like Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade. He has been a serviceable big man at times but never lived up to his potential in an NBA career that has included stops in Orlando, New York, Memphis and Minnesota. 

UPDATE: A league source has told [2] A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com that Milicic will be "joining the Celtics shortly." Other outlets have reported a deal will be done later this week for one year at the veteran minimum. 

For more Celtics news, visit the team page at weei.com/celtics [3].