Celtics tie down Garnett, Wilcox, Bass
Ray Allen might be headed to South Beach, but the Celtics aren’t at a loss for players excited to be back in green this upcoming season. According to a report from CBS Sports, the Celtics announced the re-signings of Kevin Garnett, Chris Wilcox, and Brandon Bass Saturday.
Garnett signed for $34 million and Bass for $20 million, both three year contracts. Wilcox is coming back from heart surgery but is expected to be ready to go by training camp. The power forward appeared in 28 games last season, averaging 5.4 points and 4.4 rebounds over 17.2 minutes per game.
Jeff Green and Jason Terry joined Wilcox and Bass, along with president Danny Ainge and owner Steve Pagliuca, at the presser Saturday announcing the three re-signings, but neither player is officially inked yet due to ongoing tweaks in their contracts. Green, like Wilcox, underwent heart surgery last season.
According to ESPN, the Terry situation became more complicated when Allen signed with Miami, leaving the Celtics looking to fill that void, especially since the C’s current starting shooting guard, Avery Bradley, will be undergoing shoulder surgery that will leave him questionable for the start of the upcoming season.
Despite the complications, Terry was formally introduced and it’s clear the free agent wants to be in green.
“Well, if they need me to wash the uniforms or sweep the floor, whatever role (coach) Doc (Rivers) wants me to play I’m here to do it at 100 percent and give my all,” Terry said. “That’s what I’ve done my whole career, and pretty much whatever it takes to win. Whatever puts us in the best position to win these games and win a championship is what I’ll be doing.”
Most importantly, the Celtics achieved their first priority this summer, and that was keeping Garnett in Boston. At 36 years old with another three years as a Celtic, this is likely Garnett’s last contract.
