Many players — think Delonte West, among others — claim a strong desire to stay with the Boston Celtics, then bolt at the first chance to leave. It’s easy for players to tell a reporter they want to stay. More difficult to tell a reporter, “Actually, I don’t really like this organization and think I would be better elsewhere” — unless you’re Glen Davis, in which case telling reporters you’re unhappy with your role is a semi-daily occurrence.

So take Brandon Bass’ latest declaration with a grain of salt. (HoopsWorld)

The power forward can opt-out of the final year of his contract after this season, but he’s tired of adjusting to new surroundings and hopes to stay in Boston long-term.

“I want to finish my career in Boston, if I can,” Bass said. “I want to be here for many, many years. You just want to be a part of something like this. This is history. I want to be a part of this team’s history. I want to make somewhere my home rather than playing somewhere for two years and then leaving.”

“I’m enjoying it here,” Bass added. “I like my teammates a lot, I like the coaching staff and I like the tradition in Boston.”

What the Celtics should do is offer Bass an extremely small contract after the season. I find it hard to believe he would pass on anything, even a lowball offer. Har har har.

I’m just kidding about the extremely small contract and the dig about not passing very often. I like Bass’ game, like what he brings to the table, like that he never complains and always brings the same effort, whether his feathery jumpers are falling or not. I have no idea what it will take to re-sign Bass after this season (he has outplayed his $4 million option and would be crazy not to opt out), and I have no idea what direction Danny Ainge is driving this bus, but Bass is the type of player a coach wouldn’t mind on any team.