Ainge Keeps Eye on Baby

Danny Ainge keeps eye on Baby
By Mark Murphy / Celtics Notebook
Sunday, July 5, 2009

ORLANDO, Fla. - Though the Celtics [team stats]’ pursuit of Rasheed Wallace has become a priority, Danny Ainge said yesterday he also would like to wrap up matters with restricted free agent Glen Davis sooner than later.

The team’s general manager disputed the theory that Davis’ price tag will increase the longer he remains on the market.

“We’d like to have it done soon,” Ainge said following yesterday’s summer league practice at Rollins College. “We have a lot of interest in Baby, and we have the ability to match.

“We like Big Baby a lot, and we have every intention of keeping him.”

A league source said the Celtics’ pursuit of Wallace actually may affect the team’s ability to sign its own restricted free agent - not because of the Celtics’ ability to pay, but because of the increased chance one of the jilted Wallace suitors might then make an increased offer to Davis.

Orlando and San Antonio - both expected to meet with Wallace during the next week - are said to be interested in offering Davis most, if not all, of their midlevel exceptions as a contingency plan. The Grizzlies are also thinking about getting into the Big Baby sweepstakes.

Making a vow

Ainge is hoping for a relatively quick resolution regarding Wallace.

“Sooner rather than later makes it easier for everyone,” said Ainge. “But these are life-altering decisions. Rasheed has four kids that he has to think about.”

The Wallace camp was impressed by Ainge’s vow to add to the team even if the center signs with the Celtics, and Ainge yesterday stood by his vow.

The Celtics have both the $1.3 million veterans minimum and $1.9 million biannual exception to spend.

“We feel we can add another piece or two,” said Ainge.