Ring Around the Posey?

As Boston Celtic free agent Forward James Posey entertains offers from the Celts, Hornets, Cavaliers, and Lakers, don't believe that his agent Mark Bartelstein is insisting on 4 year deal and don't believe that Celts' GM Danny Ainge will only offer a 2 year contract. This is just part of the negotiating dance.

Posey made $3.2 million last year and seems to be willing to accept a team's $5.3 million Mid-Level Exception salary for his next contract. The only variable is length of time. The Celtics don't want to tie-up another contract for too long but they already have the new 'Big 3' (KG, Ray, Pierce) locked-up for anther couple of years, so there shouldn't be any harm. Since the window for winning more championships is tied to the 'Big 3' and Posey is integral part of that window, then the Celtics should have no problem giving Posey a 3 year deal. Also, while other teams may be willing to offer him 4 years at the Mid-Level, my gut tells me that Posey wants to stay with the 'Big 3' and in Boston.

Finally, once Posey is locked-up, then hopefully Eddie House will soon follow. After all, it was House who recruited Posey in the first place. They are both represented by the same agent and he has made it clear that he wants to stay in Boston.