Steve Bulpett has some quotes from Joe Smith, perhaps backing off his earlier statements that he's not seeking a buyout:
The prime target [for the Celtics] remains Joe Smith. And while he’s said he’s not looking for a buyout from Oklahoma City, there are different rumblings behind the scene. Word is strong that, after being sent to New Orleans in a deal that was ultimately reversed last week, he could be on the move.
“I don’t know too much right now,” Smith told the Herald. “This week has been a crazy week all around, as far as being traded and the trade being rescinded. I don’t have too many answers right now about what’s going on in the office or what’s going on with my agent and talks with the team.
“I didn’t know what to think before the trade deadline. You heard so many things. And now it’s almost the same situation. I hear my name as far as being bought out and a lot of teams inquiring about it. But I really don’t know. I don’t expect anything to happen, but I’m not sure.”
The 6-foot-10 Smith has done an admirable job of honoring his employer, but it did please him to know the Celtics would have such interest if he gets free.
“That’s very flattering,” he said. “Obviously KG and I played together in Minnesota, and we talk quite often. And this is the defending champions. They accomplished a lot last year and this year, too. For them to feel that I can be a piece of their puzzle, that’s very flattering.”
For their part, the Celts appear willing to let a potentially helpful piece (e.g. Mikki Moore) get away if they think a better player will become available.
Are the Celtics making the right call by potentially bypassing Moore? Discuss.