It took some six weeks, but Marquis Daniels finally became a Celtic.
The 6-6 swingman long ago agreed to join the club, but the Celtics had been trying to work out a sign-and-trade deal that would benefit all sides. The Celtics were trying to clear some roster space while giving Daniels a contract that was longer and more in line with his value. But when they could not come to an agreement with Indiana, the team Daniels is leaving as a free agent, Celtic director of basketball operations Danny Ainge went in search for a three-team transaction.
With training camp a month away and all avenues to a trade seemingly at a dead end, the sides agreed to the simple free-agent contract. Daniels will get the bi-annual exception of $1.99 million.
A wrist injury helped limit him to 54 games this past season, but he stepped up in Mike Dunleavy's absence and averaged a career-best 13.6 points.
Daniels was a key player in Dallas' aggressive and heady attack for three seasons, but was traded to Indiana when the Mavericks opted for a different -- and ultimately less successful -- style. The Pacers have been caught in a roster transition the last few years.
It is interesting to note that, according to league sources, the two other teams with the most interest in Daniels when he became a free agent this summer were Dallas and Indiana. That indicates the teams who knew him best were among those wanting him most.
