Source: Stiemsma has outside offer

July, 20, 2012 - 10:33 - PM ET

By Chris Forsberg | ESPNBoston.com

Greg Stiemsma has likely played his last game in Boston.
The last steamboat whistle has likely sounded at TD Garden.

Restricted free agent center Greg Stiemsma has received an offer from a new suitor, according to a league source.

The Celtics extended a $1.05 million qualifying offer to Stiemsma before the free-agency period, while the Timberwolves have expressed consistent interest in the 6-foot-11 big man this offseason. But while Stiemsma's camp awaits an offer sheet from Minnesota, it appears a third team has entered the fray.

This offer, when formally delivered, will almost certainly price Boston out of the Stiemsma Sweepstakes. Given their cap constraints, the Celtics are unable to match even a modest offer for his services with only the biannual exception ($1.95 million) remaining above a minimum contract and Boston is nearing the luxury tax threshold.

The 26-year-old Stiemsma averaged 2.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in 55 appearances during his rookie campaign with Boston last season. He signed with Minnesota in April of 2010, but got his first NBA opportunity with the Celtics and was the team's top reserve big man by the end of Boston's injury-filled season.

If the Celtics believes they are priced out, they can rescind their qualifying offer. Boston could also dangle the biannual exception, but even that might not be enough if the outside offer is of greater value.
112288

An unknown team, huh? Smells fishy.

Could it be another sign-and-trade deal for Danny? Mystery Team signs Steamer for more than we could, then we ship a couple of players to the Mystery Team in exchange for Steamer, retaining our bi-annual exemption for a mid-year signing?

Otherwise, why keep it a secret?

Maybe I'm just hoping I'm right. Hoping, hoping, hoping...


bob

.

bobheckler wrote:An unknown team, huh? Smells fishy.

Could it be another sign-and-trade deal for Danny? Mystery Team signs Steamer for more than we could, then we ship a couple of players to the Mystery Team in exchange for Steamer, retaining our bi-annual exemption for a mid-year signing?

Otherwise, why keep it a secret?

Maybe I'm just hoping I'm right. Hoping, hoping, hoping...


bob

.

Who is left to trade for Boston?
I doubt there will be any S & T for Stiemsma.

Even if Boston could do a sign and trade, they are so close to the luxury tax threshold I doubt they will want to do that.

We have 4 spots open and I would like to see Joseph and Christmas make the team and resign Pietrus for short money and add one more big.

Who's out there that can help us?

dboss

Bob, you were ho ping? I thought he was the cook on Bonanza, and Chinese.

Steamer signed with T-Wolves, lets move on. Too bad, I was hoping there would be some way we could keep him, but I certainly didn't want to pay him $3 million