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Posey decision imminent?

Email|Link|Comments (18) Posted by Chris Forsberg, Boston.com Staff July 9, 2008 10:24 PM

The Globe's Marc J. Spears reports that free agent James Posey could make a decision about where he'll play next year in "the next day or so."

Spears writes for Thursday's editions of the Globe:

The most coveted of the Celtics’ free agents is Posey, a two-time NBA champion who played a major reserve role this past season. The Cleveland native is also drawing interest from the Cavaliers, Washington, New Orleans, Detroit, and the Lakers, but no one seems willing to offer the full mid-level exception ($5.5 million). When asked about Posey and [free agent Eddie] House, agent Mark Bartelstein said in a text message: ‘‘Nothing new.’’ Bartelstein, however, did say he hoped to get Posey signed in ‘‘the next day or so’’ and said the Celtics are still in the mix.

Bartelstein indicated the same sentiment to the Cleveland Plain Dealer Wednesday evening. Mary Schmitt Boyer, who wrote in Wednesday's editions that the Cavs had turned their focus to the local product, followed up with a blog entry this evening in which she wrote:

Free agent forward James Posey of Twinsburg is likely to sign a multi-year deal in "a day or two," agent Mark Bartelstein said Wednesday evening.
Asked if the Cavaliers were still in the mix, Bartelstein said, "We're still talking."

Posey, who played a key role in the Boston Celtics' 2008 NBA championship run, remains the most attractive unrestricted free agent on the market, after Elton Brand and Corey Maggette agreed to terms with Philadelphia and Golden State, respectively.

With his strong defensive abilities and 3-point shooting, he'd be an interesting addition to the Cavs' lineup, even if he's not the perimeter scorer or low-post presence many thought the team was looking to add.

Posey, 31, is believed to be seeking the mid-level exception, which will be $5.585 million for the upcoming season. In addition to the Cavs, his suitors are believed to include the Celtics, Lakers, New Orleans, Washington and Houston -- at least. Posey lives in Texas in the off-season. The San Antonio Spurs, who had been interested in Maggette, are another possibility.

Posey waited until late August before agreeing to a two-year contract with the Celtics last summer. After helping the Green to their 17th world title this past season, Posey opted out of the second year of his contract and has become a highly sought-after commodity. The latest reports seem to indicate he won't wait nearly as long to select the team he'll suit up for during the 2008-09 season.

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18 comments so far...

Chris -
If the Celtics are unable to bring back Posey, what would happen?
Would they replace him with a player already on the roster or a draft pick, or would they potentially go and get a free agent. If they were to target a free agent, who is the most likely choice?

Posted by Jerry July 9, 08 10:52 PM

Please God let him come back.

I witnessed this guy first hand in Miami (I live in Miami) and now last year my C's. When we signed him last year I was pumped, I don't think many realized how important he is.

Posted by BostMiami July 10, 08 08:10 AM

The only reason he isn't back in Celtic green is that they probably "insulted" him by not offering him their full mid-level exception (which continues to baffle me). If he walks because he doesn't feel the love coming from the Boston front office, I will be forced to light myself...Danny Ainge on fire.

Posted by AK July 10, 08 09:16 AM

Signing Posey is like resigning Mike Lowell, you have to sign him, but don't overpay. Look at the wise decisions not to sign the Damons, Pedros or Lawyer Malloys or Vinateri's when public sentiment would have been to overpay

Posted by Brian July 10, 08 09:53 AM

BRIAN HAS ALL THE CORRECT ANSWERS RE:JAMES POSEY.
DANNY LISTEN AND LEARN FROM BRIAN AND GEORGE

Posted by GEORGE STEINBERG July 10, 08 10:41 AM

AK, did you read this part?

"The Cleveland native is also drawing interest from the Cavaliers, Washington, New Orleans, Detroit, and the Lakers, but NO ONE seems willing to offer the full mid-level exception ($5.5 million)."

Seems Danny is not the only one to "insult" him. Taking great care with the future financial health of the Celtics is not "insulting" James Posey, especially when the competitors for his services are also proceeding cautiously in the financial area. Posey is valuable, but still a bench player playing 20 minutes a game, there is a ceiling to his financial worth, despite what is agent may say.

Posted by KJ33 July 10, 08 12:00 PM

Please! Celtics must sign Posey for many reasons!
-He is a great outside shooter.
-He could play great defense.
-And he's pretty versatile towards other positions.
If Posey doesn't sign for next season, I'm gonna rip my hair out!
AHHHHHH!!!

Posted by C.G. July 10, 08 12:02 PM

Git-er done!

C.G.>>>>You forgot that he is a great clubhouse guy. The type you want around because he brings good chemistry to the team.

Posted by MMole July 10, 08 12:17 PM

If the C's don't sign Posey, they'll need another clutch 3 pt shooter. I would hope they would at least re-sign Eddie House who as not as proficient as Posey, was close enough and very willing to shoot it(and hit it) in crunch time.

Posted by FLPaul July 10, 08 12:29 PM

In Danny We Trust

Posted by Owen July 10, 08 12:31 PM

celtics should sign posey because he played a big role when they won the 17th title.

Posted by blake July 10, 08 12:54 PM

This info seems highly contradictory.

With so many teams interested in Posey (and no, it isn't merely his agent musing), I find it hard to believe that the full MLE was not offered.

My question is simple: Is this merely a poorly written blog? Posey would definitely receive a full MLE offer, the real question is for how many years. Posey is 31, hence few teams would want to offer 4 years, or 5 if the bidding heats up further.

Do you follow this Chris Forsberg? I am calling you out on this.

Forsberg's response:

I'm not sure I follow.

As the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports, Posey would undoubtedly prefer the full MLE (what player wouldn't want as much cash as possible for their service?), but since free agent offers aren't open to the public, we don't know for sure who is offering the entire $5.58 million.

The Globe's Marc Spears previously reported that Boston's initial offer was three years, $12 million, but added, "source said the Celtics have improved that offer. The most the Celtics can offer is the midlevel exception, expected to start at $5.58 million next season."

Posted by Edward July 10, 08 01:18 PM

For all of you worried about Ainge making a dumb decision -- let's remember that he signed Scalabrine to a five year $15 million deal. To offer Posey a 3 year deal for 12 mil is an incredible insult to the 5th most important guy on your 2008 NBA champions.

Posted by Eren July 10, 08 02:12 PM

in some cases during the playoffs I really felt good about posey coming in and playing long stretches for the Celtics, not once , while ahead did they give up a lead while he was in. he brings alot to the celtics ! how much thats worth is somethen else? in the end we have to do what's right for the boston celtics.
TEAM FIRST

Posted by walter July 10, 08 03:08 PM

Eren, Danny Ainge won us a championship. What have you ever done?

Posted by Dave July 10, 08 05:53 PM

Danny what you did last year to bring this team back to its legacy was a great decision and it took you a long enough time. to make that decision we had a playoff contention team back in 2002 but you seem to get rid of the chemistry everytime it was built. you got rid of alot of good celtics whom had potential. and also got rid of a good coach. Now posey is on the table for us to win back to back and your gonna let this pass you up don't be an idiot this doesn't take much thinking sign him he was a major contributor to this championship team.If you snooze we all loose so dig deep in those pockets and sign him. P.S.posey don't leave us.

Posted by CelticsTillTheCasketDrops July 10, 08 10:57 PM

Posey is a valuable player but you can't spend too much. I think the Celtics should offer 3 years, 15 million and if he doesn't like it let him walk. Remember we are trying to build a dynasty again in Boston for many years to come. He will be deadwood in 4-5 years.

Posted by Ben July 11, 08 06:26 PM

Signing James Posey is a MUST! The guy is a winner! He is the "Robert Horry" of Basketball! James won or brought us back from many of games. He can easily fill in for any of the "Big 3" when they need a breather or get into foul trouble. If James Posey signs with Cleveland, Detroit or the Lakers, he will bring them a Championship! 5.5 million is not overpaying James. I can't tell everyone how strongly I feel about keeping Posey in a Celtics uniform.

Posted by Dave Rogers July 11, 08 09:18 PM