Yesterday, my favourite Celtic, Al Jefferson was on a Radio show on the Fan590, a Toronto radio station, and he said he is 'sure' that Payton will return to the Celtics during this season. There's a rumour flying around that he'll be bought out by the Hawks. Maybe Al knows something we don't. Take it for what it's worth.
Let me lay out the conspiracy theory for you: The reason the 1st rounder was included to ATL was because there was a winky-wink deal that basically went as follows: ATL accepted that GP wasn't going to report, hence the inclusion of the 2007 1st rounder(earlier traded for Jiri Welsch compensation). GP knows that ATL knows he's not going to report. They "Cut" him, making him a Free Agent and able to sign with anyone. This is where the plan gets shaky: 1. GP probably knows that Bos and ATL set this up so he could follow through with the reported plans to resign with the Celtics for 2 more years. 2. It puts him in charge of his own destiny. If this is a "thank you gift" from DA, I can't blame him. If they set this up so GP could either resign with Boston or go his own way, I can't begrudge GP that. He certainly made th best of a situation that he didn't initially want to be in.
So, now Payton's agent is now saying that Payton is leaning towards a return to the Celtics: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"I think he's leaning toward coming back to the Celtics. I think he likes what's going on in Boston. I still have to talk to him about things, but I think that's where he wants to end up. But you never know with Gary.''</div> link While I'm sure you could probably read similar articles in Miami and Sacramento, its still a hopeful sign. As well as Banks and West have played in the games that Payton has been gone, I would still be more at ease with a veteran leading the team down the stretch.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Guard Gary Payton should be placed on waivers today by Atlanta, according to the Boston Herald. ''We've reached an agreement with the Hawks, and things should be in place no later than early (today),'' said Payton's agent, Aaron Goodwin. ''It's just going to be a matter of getting the paperwork approved by the league.'' Assuming he clears waivers, Payton is leaning towards a return to the Celtics.</div> Link Also on Yahoo
If GP signs back with Boston then they basically got Tonie for free. Pretty good all things considered. They trade for Lefrentz in the Walker deal and now have both on the same team. Payton Allen Pierce Walker Lefrentz With Ricky Davis off the bench. Thats pretty good core to have. Boston are basically set now and for the future with talents like Allen, Jefferson and West.
If Boston does pick Payton back up they would be a contender in the East. Boston really doesn't have a good point guard right now. The only thing I worry about is that Payton might want more minutes and throw a pouting fit like he did in L.A. We might be seeing the revival of the Celtics. Like AllNet said We already have young talent that we can build on for the future.
WEEI is now reporting that FA Gary Payton has officially rejoined the Celtics. Press conference and official announcement will be in short order. Assuming there's no issues with the Commissioner's office over this, GP could be back in the lineup tomorrow night.
I'm only telling you what's being reported. It's likely whats referred to as "an agreement in principle" right now until he can clear waivers, but I thought he was put on waivers yesterday, thus 48hrs would be over tomorrow?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting hagrid:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm only telling you what's being reported. It's likely whats referred to as "an agreement in principle" right now until he can clear waivers, but I thought he was put on waivers yesterday, thus 48hrs would be over tomorrow?</div> Sorry, I just by nature refuse to believe anything EEI says when it comes to the Celtics. They're much like Vescey about their basketball 'sources.' According to a couple people on the blog he was waived last night, around 7:30, so it would be Wednesday at 7:30 when he clears. I think thats too close to call for the Laker game.
OH, my bad, I just realized I made it sound like WEEI reported that he would be in the lineup on Weds. Sorry, those were my own thoughts on the possibility. I understood him to have been waived yesterday, which makes sense, because he has to clear waivers and be signed before March 1 or he's ineligible for any teams post-season roster automatically.
ESPN has announced that Payton was waived and is now a Free Agent. It sisn't say anything about going back to Boston.....
Latest I heard about this is that Denver is making a late push and his relationship with George Karl is a selling point, but Payton really wants to start and Boston is his best chance for that.
