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Posey to opt out today

Email|Link|Comments (15) Posted by Chris Forsberg, Boston.com Staff June 30, 2008 08:10 AM

(Jim Davis / Globe Staff)

The Globe's Marc J. Spears writes today that, in a move that shouldn't come as a surprise, James Posey will opt out of the second and final year of his contract with the Celtics.

The move will make Posey an unrestricted free agent, but both the Celtics and Posey have expressed an interest in reuniting during the offseason.

From Spears: Celtics forward James Posey's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said his client will opt out of the second and final year of his contract today. The move will make the versatile Posey an unrestricted free agent, but Bartelstein has also said his client wants to return to Boston. When asked about whether Posey, who averaged 7.4 points per game this season, will be re-signed, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge said Saturday: "I'd hate to say whether or not we will be able to. We'll see what happens." Free agency begins tomorrow.

ESPN's Chad Ford ranks the best available free agents and has Posey at No. 7 among this year's crop of unrestricted free agents. Ford writes: "Posey helped himself with a strong performance against the Lakers in the Finals. He's another player who should get a three- to four-year midlevel deal somewhere."

Early offseason rumblings have the Lakers and Hornets among potential suitors for Posey's services. New Orleans freed up some space when it traded its No. 27 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft to Portland in exchange for $3 million cash.

From the Associated Press:

James Posey recently earned a championship ring with the Boston Celtics. Corey Maggette has indicated he's ready to leave the Los Angeles Clippers to get one.
Either one could help the rising young Hornets contend for an NBA title, so long as New Orleans can afford what those players are asking in free agency.

The Hornets' draft-night maneuvering should help with that.

After falling one victory shy of advancing to the Western Conference finals, the New Orleans Hornets began working out prospective draftees - more than 40 in fact. It soon became clear to general manager Jeff Bower and head coach Byron Scott that what the Hornets really needed to contend for a championship was not an untested rookie but a proven player.

"When we looked at the 27th pick and all the guys we brought in, we tried to look at those guys objectively and think if any of those guys could help us next year, immediately," Scott said. "It was our opinion there really wasn't anybody there that could help us. If we could trade the pick, sell the pick, whatever the case may be, the bigger picture is trying to get a veteran guy who can come in here and help us right away."

To make a run at some of the better players in free agency, which begins July 1, the Hornets needed as much financial flexibility as possible. Hence the decision, made official during Thursday night's NBA draft, to trade their only draft choice, the 27th overall, to the Portland Trail Blazers for about $3 million cash.

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15 comments so far...

If it's all about the bloody money for Poz the let him go, then maybe we sign G-Money back to a deal to cover his spot.

Posted by Dumas June 30, 08 01:26 PM

pro sports is about money, we have become rome, (someone said before me but can not remember their name). distractions from what is really wrong with society ...war, economy, the fallen and "i can't get up" dollar, interest rates, health care, and elections are all about money give the man credit for a great season and get it (money) while you can because it does not last forever like the owners, gm's, presidents, ceo's, sportscasters and reporters.

Posted by Larry June 30, 08 02:05 PM

Red taught us back in the 60's that defense wins championships. Posey is a defensive stopper--who as a plus can hit the 3. He is the right age for a 3-4 year contract. The Celts should do whatever it takes to resign James Posey. So what if money is a big factor for Posey. Isn't Garnett worth the money. Yes, the system is broken as far as the value of contract is concerned, but until it is corrected, this is the game and Ainge should play it right with Posey.

Posted by Ron1951 June 30, 08 02:26 PM

Posey could be a laker next year. we would love to keep him - but, you have to go with the money. Danny drafted very wisely for his lost if he should go. we pick up a 7'1 center and a 6'5 pg and a 6'7' small forward - and putting on the green will make them that much better. and very helpful for banner number 18.

Posted by robert campbell June 30, 08 02:37 PM

Well, I certainly can't blame the guy for wanting to earn some $$$. He's a very good player and clearly deserves a raise. Hopefully the C's can offer him enough of a contract for him to stay.

Posted by Erik June 30, 08 02:40 PM

It's not about the money for him ; it's about what's fair. After he won the title with Miami, he DID NOT opt out because he wanted to return to contend for a second title. After that season, they did not give him a fair offer and you saw what happened to that team. Then he came to Boston for a steal. He's not stupid. He won't get burned again. Would you?

Posted by Fran Pacsi June 30, 08 02:56 PM

Everything is about money. Posey put up nice numbers during the post season and during the regular season. I think the man should get his fair share of the pie and a nice long tenure in Boston. I want him back in Celtic Green and White with House, PJ, and Tony. With Sam saying that he wouldn�t mind Denver next season that frees up some cash right there. So we�ll see what Ainge has planed for all these questions. I just hope it has Posey and the rest of the guys in the answer.

Posted by B-Town Fan June 30, 08 04:26 PM

i cant blame him. thanks pose

Posted by Alex June 30, 08 05:46 PM

15 million for three years (offer it Danny)

Posted by rrrr rrrr June 30, 08 06:35 PM

Posey deserves more money for what he brought to the Cs this past year, and I hope that gets recognized with a new contract to keep him in the white & green.

Him possibly signing with the Lakers just doesn't compute, though - can anyone imagine Kobe submitting to a pre-game hug at midcourt?

Posted by Bill June 30, 08 06:48 PM

Mr Posey has to do what is right for him, I hope they can keep him but if not
it was a great journey for 17.. I enjoyed all your big plays and thanks for bringing joy to my family.

regards,

Posted by mike June 30, 08 10:52 PM

JP has been in the league for 9 years. He has always been a solid player and has had a very successful career. As a Boston fan, I will be sad to see Posey go since I feel he is a very important part of the Celtics, not only his defensive presence and ability to drain a 3 pointer, but also his winning attitude on and off the court. Those such as Dumas below me who get upset because of those money controlling player decisions make me laugh, since such comments are ignorant. Posey owes Boston nothing (in fact we owe him more than we are able to pay) and if JP is offered a longer and higher salary from another team, he would be wise to accept it. If he wasn't influenced by money, he would have stayed with the 2006 NBA Champs Miami Heat. Good Luck JP, thanks for an amazing year!

Posted by Matt June 30, 08 11:59 PM

It would be a shame to lose Poz (and House) not just because they are skilled players, or their stellar performance when called off the bench, but they both have kept the morale of their teammates up and intense while on the sidelines. You always see them on their feet and pushing the others. Lost count of how many times I saw him w/ KG on the sideline at the start of a game. This team brought "Celtics Basketball" back and the interest and excitement of some older disillusioned fans. The personalities, support, enthusiasm and comrade of this team WORKS!!! THANK YOU for an amazing season! Posey will be an asset no matter where he goes, but I'm hoping he stays.

Just a thought, if it's about the $$$$ ....get rid of Scalabrine and free up 6.6 Mil. to keep the players who contribute....even more then just playing time.

Posted by Julie July 1, 08 01:05 PM

Shame on Danny A. and co. for not signing him to a longer deal in last year's off-season. I mean, the Big 3 said they we had to have him. Giving a player of Posey's caliber an option worth about $3.33 million is ridiculous. He wouldn't have exercised it, even if he had a terrible year. We should have committed to 3 years worth about $5-6 million a year. No options.
And Julie, I do agree with your comment. Scal needs to go. But we can't release him. Contracts in the NBA are guaranteed, meaning we'd still have to pay him. Once again, shame on Danny A. for committing to Scal to a 5 year deal. Thanks to moves like this, we might lose a crucial piece to our 17th ring, and might not reel in
another.

another ano

Posted by Phil July 3, 08 11:47 PM

shame on Danny A. for not signing him to a longer deal in last year s off - season.we should have committed to 4 years worth about $ 8 -9 million a year.

Posted by faustin B. gislet July 8, 08 08:40 AM