Murphy to sign with Celtics
The Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat once more this season, this time in the Troy Murphy(notes) sweepstakes.
Murphy chose to join the Celtics over the Heat and is expected to sign a contract on Wednesday after clearing waivers, NBA sources confirmed to Yahoo! Sports. ESPN.com first reported Murphy's decision.
Murphy listened to recruiting pitches from Celtics general manager Danny Ainge and Heat president Pat Riley on Monday night.
The 6-foot-11 forward received a buyout from the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night before narrowing his choices to Miami and Boston. The Celtics are attracted to his 3-point range and rebounding ability. After New Jersey Nets coach Avery Johnson informed Murphy he didn't plan to play him, Murphy was granted a leave from the team.
The Nets traded Murphy to the Warriors for center Dan Gadzuric(notes) and forward Brandan Wright(notes). Murphy has averaged 3.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 18 games this season and hasn’t played since Jan. 7.
The addition of Murphy means Boston likely won't sign free-agent forward Leon Powe(notes), a former Celtic. The Celtics have beaten the Heat all three times they've played this season.
