The Boston Celtics introduced their newest signings Saturday and that included presenting Jason Terry, even though he has yet to put ink to paper to make his move from the Dallas Mavericks official.
That's coming, according to ESPNBoston.com, which reported that Terry and Jeff Green have intentionally not signed their deals in order to leave the team some room to maneuver. Those deals are expected to be finalized next week, and in Terry's case, a sign-and-trade with the Mavs is not expected.
A source with knowledge of the situation said the Mavs deem their remaining cap space as too valuable to make additional moves. The source said the only way a sign-and-trade could occur is if Boston finds a third team to take on the salaries they prefer to move out.
Sources with knowledge of the discussions told ESPN.com's Marc Stein that the Mavs and Celtics did discuss sign-and-trade scenarios to facilitate Terry's move to Boston early in free agency. But Dallas has since made other plans with its cap space, such as Friday's amnesty claim on Elton Brand, and are thus resistant to taking back Keyon Dooling or Sasha Pavlovic in a sign-and-trade, which would be necessary to make such a deal work.
Terry told reporters at Saturday's press conference that he's ready to fulfill any role the team asks of him, which could include a starting role if Avery Bradley is not ready for the season and the Celtics don't add another frontline guard.
"Well, if they need me to wash the uniforms or sweep the floor, whatever role (coach) Doc (Rivers) wants me to play I'm here to do it at 100 percent and give my all," Terry said. "That's what I've done my whole career, and pretty much whatever it takes to win. Whatever puts us in the best position to win these games and win a championship is what I'll be doing."