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I see a lot of posts here talk about bringing back Jeff Green. I have seen people throwing out salary figures of $7-9 million to re-sign him. I think Green is talented and we didn't see his best during his short stint here in Boston, but when I see the salary numbers people throw out I am completely confused. Green had heart surgery. When training camp opens in October, it will have been less than 12 months since he had heart surgery and at least 18 months since he played in an NBA game. What GM is going to give someone with a heart condition, coming off an 18 month layoff $9 million a year?

If a GM gives Green $9 million per they should be fired. Frankly $5 million seems high. Reality is NO ONE KNOWS what kind of player Green will be when he comes back, including Green. The only thing that makes sense to me is a one year “prove you are healthy” deal for modest money say $2.5 million. If Green proves that he is back to what he once was he will be in line for a huge pay day in the summer of 2013, if he struggles in his comeback the team is protected.

Part of me wonders if Boston fans are so invested in Green because they are desperate for the Perkins trade to “workout”. The simple truth is it didn’t work. I this without any anger, I don’t blame Danny for trying. The fact is that the Celtics needed (still need) scoring and athleticism more than they need a true center, Green and the big 4 just didn’t mesh and then the heart condition popped-up. I loved Perk as much as any C’s fan but he can’t score and coming down the stretch of close games, having Perk and Rondo, two non-shooters on the floor handicapped the Celtics, this made life easier for opposing teams, trying to shake that dynamic up wasn’t a bad idea.

I see no reason to throw good money after bad with Green, the trade didn’t work out; it is too bad but now I think the Celtics should only roll the dice on Green if the price is right, let him earn the $9 million. He isn’t coming back from knee surgery or a broken arm; it is a heart condition, a serious matter. He might be fine and back to normal, or he may have lingering effects.

Anyways, for all the people that have the Celtics using $7 million of their cap space to keep Green I am just mystified. If Green can find a GM out there who is willing to pay him $7-9 million, I would tell him to sign before they come to their senses and wish him well, the Celtics don’t need risks, they need sure things. Green isn’t worth anywhere near $7-9 million, until he proves he is healthy enough to play an NBA season, and there is only one way to do that play next year.