Hooped Up

According to an NBA source, free agent forward James Posey has agreed to a four-year contract with the New Orleans Hornets.

The Celtics had been offering three years at the full mid-level exception, but at age 31, Posey admitted he was trying to get the best contract possible while still maintaining a chance to win a championship.

It appears he accomplished his goals. The Hornets, led by point guard Chris Paul, advanced to the Western Conference semifinals last year where they lost to the San Antonio Spurs.

Posey averaged 7.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists last year for the Celtics.

Boston Herald

The 11-year NBA veteran is seeking at least a four-year contract worth the mid-level exception. He opted out of an option year of $3.2 million to become an unrestricted free agent. “He’s a big priority for us for the offseason. We hope that he decides to come back. He was a big cog, and we definitely want him back on our roster,” Allen said. For the Celtics last season, Posey averaged 7.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. His career averages are 9.2 points, 4.9 boards and 1.8 assists per game. 

Boston Herald 

The James Posey love in continues and the Hornets are the latest team hoping to take a run at the swingman, who is NBA Championship fresh. 

The Hornets are targeting Boston Celtics free agent James Posey to solve their needs at shooting guard, but whether Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower can pull off a deal is uncertain. Free agents can begin signing contracts Wednesday, and Posey is one of the most sought after on the market. Posey, who can play shooting guard and small forward, appears to be one of the Hornets’ No.1 targets. However, it likely would take a full mid-level exception offer of $5.8 million for him to consider coming to New Orleans. 

New orleans Times-Picayune 

There is no doubt that James Posey was a difference maker off the bench for the Boston Celtics in the Finals.  Now he wants to be paid that way and the Celtics really want him back.  It’s safe to say that Posey can go right ahead and pre-order those extra green and white mouth pieces anytime now.

For the NBA champion Celtics, free agency begins today with James Posey as the primary focus. Most other personnel matters will be handled after Posey’s situation is settled. One move was made last night when the franchise failed to make Tony Allen a qualifying offer, thus making the guard an unrestricted free agent, according to his agent, Mike Higgins. The arrival of draft picks J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker definitely hurt Allen’s chances to return to Boston. 

Boston Globe 

Soon to be free agent James Posey was important to the Celtics championship run and Paul Pierce wants him back next year.

“Posey’s very important to what we’re trying to do around here and what we’ve done, man,” Paul Pierce said. “He’s invaluable to me, and you could see it in these playoffs when I got into foul trouble. When I go out, he comes in and fills in so amazingly that I can sit out, and it doesn’t hurt us too bad. You don’t always see it with the numbers, but he brings a lot to the team. He’s so smart. He’s got a great basketball IQ. Then he has that great ability to knock down shots and play defense.”

Boston Herald