Evidently, Jeff Green had grown as exasperated as Celtics followers regarding his unfinished contract. That became clear yesterday afternoon when he took to Twitter to shout, "FINALLY!!!"
More than a month after he took part in a press conference announcing he and the Celts had reached agreement in principle on a new deal, the sides got things completed. Finally.
Green later tweeted, "Been waiting to say this for a while... #iamaceltic".
According to sources, there were several reasons for the delay in getting things done.
Green's representative, David Falk, reported there were issues with the new collective bargaining agreement. But, in general, the parties just found the side issues were more complicated than expected once they agreed on the basic parameters of a four-year deal totaling some $36 million.
Also, according to a player source, there were insurance issues to tackle. Green missed last season after having surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm.
While doctors have told the club there is less risk to Green's career with this procedure than if he'd had a torn meniscus in his knee -- and both player and club are confident he is healthy -- there were hoops to jump through with the insurance situation.
The 6-foot-9 forward's ailment was discovered during a routine physical after he'd agreed to stay with the Celts after becoming a free agent in 2011. That deal was voided, and the C's subsequently rescinded their qualifying offer to Green, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer.
But Green had been saying all along that his first choice was to remain with the Celtics, a stance that was strengthened by the fact the club had helped see him through his medical matter.
He had recovered enough by May to do basketball work and is now working out with no limitations.
In the Celtics' statement announcing the signing, president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said, "We are thrilled to be able to have Jeff back with the Celtics. Jeff's versatility on offense and ability to guard players out on the perimeter is something that we are looking forward to having on the court this season."
Green came to the Celtics from Oklahoma City along with Nenad Krstic and a No. 1 draft pick in exchange for Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson. After a modest start with the C's, he was saying last offseason that he looked forward to showing the club's fans what he could do.
