Troy Murphy to become a Boston Celtic? “All indications are pointing in that direction”
Troy Murphy agreed to a buyout yesterday from the Golden St. Warriors, making him a free agent once he clears waivers.
According to multiple reports, Murphy has narrowed his targets to two teams: the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics. The Orlando Magic, who would seem to have more of a need for Murphy than any other team, are reportedly out of the mix (even though their only backup big men are Ryan Anderson, Earl Clark and Malik Allen — three men who make Nenad Krstic look like Wilt Chamberlain).
Though Murphy is still considering the Heat, CSNNE’s A. Sherrod Blakely reports the Celtics have emerged as frontrunners. One factor? The Heat have 15 players, and might not want to waive anybody to open a roster spot for Murphy.
A league source has confirmed that Troy Murphy has come to terms on a buyout with the Golden State Warriors, which will pave the way for the 6-foot-10 inch forward to sign with the Boston Celtics. The buyout is pending league approval, which won’t come about until sometime on Monday.
Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News was the first to report Murphy’s buyout.
While it’s not a done deal that Murphy will be a Celtic, all indications are pointing in that direction.
The Celtics have also reportedly become the most likely destination for Leon Powe, though he has received interest from multiple other teams (including, most recently, the Hornets). Mike Bibby is another buyout candidate, but — with Delonte West in tow — the Celtics may not have much need for another point guard. The Heat have been rumored to have their eyes on Bibby.
Rasual Butler, another name who has been linked to the Celtics, reportedly plans to sign with the Chicago Bulls once he clears waivers. Butler will help Chicago’s thin shooting guard rotation, but certainly should not change the Eastern Conference hierarchy.
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Celtics Blog | Jay King | February 28, 2011
Who will get minutes at the center position if both O’Neals come back?
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I’m assuming both the O’Neals would, and maybe Krstic for a handful of minutes, with Davis likely to close games out. But I have doubts Jermaine will return anywhere near full strength, so Krstic could become Shaq’s prime backup.
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Murphy sounds like a guy who would be a good bench addition.
But lack of minutes at center is a problem we WISH we had at this point. At best, The Trade still looks like us swapping a championship caliber center for two championship caliber bench guys; the bench looks more solid, but we have a gaping hole in our starting lineup. Before, we had a stolid starting lineup and a gaping hole in our bench.
So both O’Neals coming back is a ‘problem’ we wish devoutly to have. In essence, The Trade is obviously predicated on the hope that Shaq will come back, will be in shape, will be motivated and strong, and will last through the playoffs. If that happens, The Trade might look like genius, as opposed to Kraziness. So I think Shaq has finally found his Boston nickname: The Big IF.
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len… Shaq will get the start and Krstic will get the back-up, as I see it, with JO getting some center time (depending on foul problems) but also PF time as he can play that role too just like Murphy can. I can totally envision a Shaq/JO/PP (or Green) front line at times. Again, it’ll be just as the season started but with more options and match-up scenarios available depending on the style of play (playoffs are usually way slowed down to half-court play as there is increased emphasis on playing defense on every possession). A rotation of 8-9 players is best but because the Cs are so deep this may allow the bench to really step up and help more. Center by committee and a lot of better talent off the bench. Go Cs…
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shaq also tends to get into foul trouble often and early. so i believe plenty of minutes available
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