One of the weirder things to happen today in NBA free agency news is that the Boston Celtics have expressed a great deal of interest in signing Corey Maggette who just opted out with the Clippers. Now, at first glance, this is completely ridiculous. Boston already has its 2 through 4 spots filled and they're ridiculously over the salary cap already. Why in God's name would they be going after Maggette?
Well, because it actually makes perfect sense. Tom Ziller of Fanhouse points out what a brilliant move this is by the Celtics. It's based on the assumption that Elton Brand returns to the Clippers (which seems guaranteed now) which in turn causes a domino effect that leaves Maggette ripe for the taking.
If the Clippers renew their commitment to Elton Brand, as expected, Corey Maggette's gone. He'd have to be renounced by the Clippers in order to squeeze in Baron Davis' $13 million. That means L.A. can't sign-and-trade Maggette, which would have been the easiest way for the guy to get a contract in the $7-10 million per year range. Assuming all that happens (Maggs is renounced, Brand resigns for $13 million or so), Maggette's options above the mid-level shrink profusely. There's Philadelphia (if they strike out on Josh Smith), Memphis (unlikely), and maybe Golden State.So if the Philly door closes for Maggette, and he doesn't want to play for Memphis or Golden State, he immediately falls into the mid-level exception range.
So if it becomes a mid-level fiesta, Boston's brilliant for getting into the sweepstakes early. They can offer Maggs the same contract almost every other team can ... and they can also offer the best shot at a ring (though the Lakers might quibble).
Only teams that are over the salary cap, like Boston, can use the mid-level exception to sign one free agents. Last year's mid-level exception was $5.36 million.
The Spurs have also offered Maggette the mid-level exception, but while Maggette would likely start there, in my mind he'd be much less closer to getting a ring. The Spurs appear to be slowly on their way down as they continue to get older. And when you combine that with the fact that they're in the brutal Western Conference, it suddenly gets less enticing.
Ultimately, the real question here is what does Maggette want? Money or the chance for a ring? If he wants money, Memphis and Golden State are probably his best options. But if he wants a ring, then coming off the bench for Boston makes perfect sense.
Celtics extend offer to Maggette [Boston Globe]
Maggette Faces the Ultimate Ring-or-$$$ Test [Fanhouse]
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