Mickael Pietrus does not want veteran’s minimum from Boston Celtics – NBA Update
Despite the desire to end his career wearing the green of Boston Celtics, the financial aspect of the game will see Mickael Pietrus consider other offers.
Boston had reportedly offered Pietrus a veteran’s minimum of $1.23 million, however the offer was not deemed feasible by the 30 year old swingman.
According to Pietrus’s agent Bill McCandless, there is no way his client is playing for a veteran’s minimum and will consider other options.
“MP will not play for the veteran’s minimum. Period,” said McCandless. “It’s not happening. That’s the beginning, middle and end of that. … He is not a veteran’s minimum player. There’s no chance he’ll ever sign for that. I’ve
had the veteran minimum thrown at me like hubcaps,”
The Celtics made the offer keeping in mind the financial situation at the club. They already have Paul Pierce starting with Jeff Green providing a suitable backup, while the new additions Courtney Lee and Jason Terry are more the
capable enough of playing in place of starter of Avery Bradley.
The acquisitions have put Boston in a tight spot monetarily and the Celtics are justified in their decision as they would not like to go over the luxury tax line for a player who is often plagued by injuries.
Pietrus has had knee injuries in the past two summers and is injury prone. The other aspect that Boston had to keep in mind was the history of the player, who had already played for three teams prior to coming to join the Celtics
last season.
He was waived off by the Phoenix Suns just three days before the start of last season but was claimed up by the Celtics two days later. However due to a variety of injuries which included a grade three concussion suffered on March
23rd, Pietrus was only able to take part in 42 games last season.
Even though he displayed great desire by hustling after rebounds and fighting for loose balls, however his offensive performances were not very impressive. He shot the ball 38.5% from the field and held an average of 6.9 points
per game.
As soon as Boston’s season came to an end – courtesy of an Eastern Conference Finals exit by the hands of Miami Heat, Pietrus had hinted towards ending his career with the Celtics and wanted to raise another championship banner.
However in a decision completely influenced by the finances, Pietrus and his agent are assessing other options and Europe may even become one of the possibilities.
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