--According to multiple reports, Marquis Daniels is set to become a Celtic. The small forward, who last played for Indiana, will join the club as either a free agent or in a sign-and-trade deal.
If Daniels comes by the former route, he will get the bi-annual exception of around $1.9 million. But the teams are trying to work out a trade that would get Daniels more money and help both clubs in the process. Daniels is expected to be the key backup for Paul Pierce. --Marquis Daniels became a Celtic target after the club failed in its quest to sign free agent F Grant Hill. Though the Celtics recruited Hill with vigor, the veteran chose to return to Phoenix. In so doing, he passed up the Celtics' $1.9 million offer and a pitch of $5 million for one year from the Knicks.
"I'm not surprised," said GM Danny Ainge. "He likes Phoenix. He has good relationships there. I'm not surprised at all. He had good options. We wish him well."
Hill's agent, Lon Babby, said the lure of the Celtics was strong.
"Obviously, the opportunity to play for a team that recently won a championship and will be in the hunt next year was a strong, very, very strong consideration to go to Boston," he said.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think teams are definitely making a great impact in the league, as far as the Lakers signing Ronnie (Artest), and Shaq (O'Neal) is in Cleveland. Teams are still making moves." -- Rasheed Wallace, on the improvement of key NBA contenders.
