The Boston Celtics have signed rookie forward Jordan Mickey.

According to the Boston Herald, “the team did not release terms of the agreement, but sources told the Herald it is a four-year deal for a total of $5 million. The first two years are guaranteed at a combined $2.4 million, with the latter two years at the team’s option.”

Mickey, a 6’8” forward out of LSU, was selected with the 33rd overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. He appeared in five games for the Celtics during the Las Vegas Summer League and averaged 13.8 points on 52.9 percent shooting from the field, 9.6 rebounds, 1.0 steal and 2.6 blocks in 30.0 minutes per game. Mickey recorded his best game in the Vegas Summer League on July 18 with 18 points on 7-12 (.583) shooting, five rebounds, one assist and three blocks in 33 minutes against the San Antonio Spurs.

He also played in three contests for the Celtics during the Utah Summer League and averaged 9.7 points on 52.2 percent shooting, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 25.0 minutes per game. Mickey recorded his best game in the Utah Summer League on July 6 with 16 points on 7-8 (.875) shooting, four rebounds, one steal and three blocks in 27 minutes against the Utah Jazz.

Mickey led the NCAA D-I in blocks per game (3.64) and led the SEC in rebounding (9.9 rpg), while being selected First-Team All-SEC by the coaches and media for the 2014-15 season. Other than Shaquille O’Neal, he was the only player in LSU history to block more than 100 shots in a season (106 in 2014, 113 in 2015).

Here’s ESPN Boston reporting some relatively good news. Not great news. Because it’s still about an injury. But news that Marcus Smart could have been in a lot worse shape than he is:

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart expressed relief Saturday that he dodged a more severe injury when he dislocated two fingers on his right hand Thursday and said he hopes to be healed up by the time the Celtics open training camp in September.

Smart dislocated his right index and middle fingers falling to the floor while chasing a rebound during Thursday’s win over the Portland Trail Blazers at Vegas summer league. The broadcast showed his fingers bent at cringeworthy angles while being attended to by team trainer Ed Lacerte, but X-rays revealed no broken bones.

Smart met with reporters in Vegas at halftime of Boston’s 95-93 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday and said he’s already on the road to recovery.

The Boston Celtics announced today that they have waived guard Phil Pressey.

Pressey, a 5’11” guard, was originally signed by the Celtics on July 22, 2013. During the 2014-15 season, he averaged 3.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 12.0 minutes per game. He recorded a season-high 11 points, five rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block in 18 minutes of action on March 25, 2015 against the Miami Heat. On his career, Pressey is averaging 3.1 points, 1.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 13.8 minutes per game.

The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired a trade exception and a protected 2018 second round draft pick from the Boston Celtics in exchange for forward Perry Jones, a 2019 second round draft pick and cash considerations, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti.

Jones III, a 6′11″ forward, appeared in 43 contests for the Thunder during the 2014-15 regular season and averaged 4.3 points and 1.8 rebounds in 14.7 minutes per game. He recorded a season-high 32 points on 10-17 (.588) shooting from the field, seven rebounds, three assists and one block in 42 minutes of action on October 30, 2014 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

He was originally selected with the 28th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder and is averaging 3.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 11.7 minutes on his career.

The Thunder will have one year from today to exercise the trade exception.

Former Celtic Gigi Datome signs overseas

Here’s the Boston Herald reporting on a former Celtic who was not going to be a part of the team’s future:

As much as Gigi Datome wanted a chance to sign with an NBA team, where he could play a regular role this summer, the former Celtics guard finally decided his best opportunity was back on the international circuit — this time with the Turkish team Fenerbahce.

Datome, who had lost hope with the Celtics as they focused on their frontcourt with their most recent moves, has reportedly signed a three-year deal worth just shy of $2 million per season.

Datome, 27, posted both thanks to the NBA and hopes for his new team last night on his Facebook page.

Celtics and Nuggets discussed a Danilo Gallinari trade

Here’s the Boston Herald reporting on the Celtics and Denver Nuggets:

The Celtics recently spoke with Denver about a trade for Danilo Gallinari, but those discussions did not get anywhere.

However, multiple sources told the Herald that talks could be revived and that the situation bears watching. On the other hand, there were conflicting comments about the Nuggets’ willingness to make Gallinari available. Some said Denver will likely keep the 6-10 shooter, while others insist the club is willing to part with him for the proper price.

Gallinari is entering the final year of his contract and will make $11,559,225 in 2015-16.

The Boston Celtics announced yesterday that they have re-signed forward Jonas Jerebko.

“Jonas’ versatility, non-stop energy and contributions on both ends of the court quickly endeared him to his teammates, coaching staff and our fans,” said President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge. “We are very excited to welcome him back.”

Jerebko generally plays limited minutes, adding frontcourt depth as a backup.

Jerebko was acquired by the Celtics from the Detroit Pistons on February 19, 2015. He averaged 7.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 18.2 minutes per game, while shooting 40.6 percent from beyond the arc, in 29 contests with Boston. The 6’10” forward tallied a season-high 20 points on 7-10 (.700) shooting from the field, five rebounds, two assists and one steal in 21 minutes of action on February 25 against the New York Knicks.

For the duration of the 2014-15 season, Jerebko appeared in 75 contests and averaged 6.0 points and 3.8 rebounds in 16.4 minutes per game. He was named Second-Team All-Rookie in 2010 and was selected with the 39th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Pistons. Entering his sixth season, Jerebko is averaging 7.2 points and 4.3 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game.

The Boston Celtics announced yesterday that they have signed free agent forward Amir Johnson.

“Amir is a proven, young veteran and an exciting addition to our team,” said Danny Ainge, Celtics President of Basketball Operations. “His length, athleticism, rebounding and shooting ability will help us on both ends of the court.”

Johnson, a 6’9” forward, spent the previous six seasons in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors. Last season, he appeared in 75 games and averaged 9.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 26.4 minutes of action. Johnson shot a career-high 41.3 percent (19-46) from the three-point line. He matched his career-high with six assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 1. Johnson tallied a season-high 27 points on 11-15 (.733) shooting from the field, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal in 27 minutes against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 5, 2014.

Johnson has averaged 7.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 blocks in 22.5 minutes throughout 586 career regular season games. The Los Angeles, California native was selected with the 56th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.

Now this is the kind of signing that is worth paying attention to. A move where a really good team that has a realistic eye on the NBA championship adds a key veteran who could mean the difference in a tightly-contested playoff battle against another really good team. Paul Pierce to the Clippers. Here’s the Los Angeles Times reporting:

The Clippers gained a giant lure in their pursuit of DeAndre Jordan on Wednesday, agreeing to terms with Paul Pierce on a three-year, $10.5-million contract that will reunite the veteran small forward with Coach Doc Rivers.

Pierce and Rivers won an NBA title together with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and will almost surely try to pitch Jordan on their collective potential with the Clippers, who will get the last word in the bidding for the free-agent center Thursday.

The Clippers will sign the former Inglewood High star with their so-called mini-midlevel exception, their primary financial tool in free agency, and will likely slot him into the starting small forward spot vacated by Matt Barnes, who was traded last month.

Pierce, who turns 38 in October, is a 10-time All-Star who gives the Clippers some championship experience in their starting lineup and a clutch presence who hit a game-winning shot in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season for the Washington Wizards.

I support pretty much any free agent move that shakes things up in an interesting way. This gives us one more thing to look forward to next season.

The Boston Celtics selected guards Terry Rozier and R.J. Hunter, forward Jordan Mickey and guard Marcus Thornton in the 2015 NBA Draft.

Rozier, a 6’1” sophomore guard, was selected with the 16th overall pick. He ranked fourth in the ACC in scoring and was selected to the Second Team All-ACC. Rozier was also named to the ACC All-Rookie Team as a freshman. Rozier was named one of 17 watch list finalists for the 2015 Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award and a Wooden Award Late Season Top 20 candidate for the nation’s top player.

Hunter, a 6’6” junior guard, was selected with the 28th overall pick. He was a two-time AP All-American Honorable Mention. Hunter was the first player in school history to earn conference player of the year honors twice and three straight First-Team All-Conference honors. In just three seasons, he became Georgia State’s all-time leading scorer with 1,799 points, while also topping career lists for three-pointers made, three-point attempts, free throw percentage, free throws made and free throw attempts.

Mickey, a 6’8” sophomore forward, was selected with the 33rd overall pick. He led the NCAA D-I in blocks per game (3.64) and led the SEC in rebounding (9.9 rpg), while being selected First-Team All-SEC by the coaches and media. Other than Shaquille O’Neal, he was the only player in LSU history to block more than 100 shots in a season (106 in 2014, 113 in 2015).

Thornton, a 6’4” senior guard, was selected with the 45th overall pick. He was the CAA Player of the Year and AP Honorable Mention All-American. Thornton finished as William & Mary’s career leader in points (2,178), three-pointers (325), games played (127), three-pointers made per game (2.56), minutes played (4,328) and minutes per game (34.1).

Here’s the Boston Herald reporting the latest on possible Celtics target Kevin Love — if he enters free agency:

According to all sources, Danny Ainge still has affection for Love, but it’s not nearly the borderline obsession that was in play last summer.

Times change. Rosters change. The old flame doesn’t necessarily burn as brightly.

While all Celtics/Love talk may be rendered moot anyway if the Cavaliers present him with a big-money extension, the general circumstances here make it perhaps even more of a longshot that he plays his 2015-16 home games in Boston. The major difference is that last year Ainge was doing everything he could to avoid the deeper rebuild that came when he didn’t get Love and was fated to trade away Rajon Rondo and Jeff Green. (And as it turned out, the Celtic president of basketball operations was in many ways fortunate to be able to find palatable deals for those two.)

Here’s the Boston Herald reporting some assistant coaching job news:

There are comings and goings on the Celtics staff these days, with assistant coach Darren Erman set to leave to become associate head coach for New Orleans under new leader Alvin Gentry. Also, Alex Barlow, who just completed a four-year playing career at Butler, is joining the C’s as assistant video coordinator.

Said director of player personnel Austin Ainge of Erman, “I know they are in discussions. I don’t know if anything’s final or what, but Erman’s a great guy, and if he does leave, we’ll miss him.”

Erman spent four years with the Celts as a coaching assistant before leaving to work for Golden State as an assistant under former coach Mark Jackson. The Warriors fired him in April 2014 for “violation of company policy.” It was later reported that he was secretly taping conversations between players and coaches.

Boston Celtics playing October preseason game in Milan, Italy

Here’s the WEEI blog reporting on the Boston Celtics, who are playing an international exhibition game in October:

The Celtics will be going international to open their preseason this fall.

The NBA, in conjunction with Euroleague Basketball and RCS Sport, confirmed Wednesday that the Celtics will play a preseason game on Oct. 6 against Olimpia Milano in Milan, Italy, as part of NBA Global Games Europe 2015.

The 17-time NBA champion will play the three-time Euroleague champion and 26-time Italian League champion Olimpia Milano at the Mediolanum Forum in Milan.

“On behalf of the Celtics organization, we are proud to return to Milan for NBA Global Games 2015,” Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said in a statement. “I have particularly fond memories of playing in Europe almost 30 years ago, and I am sure our current players will relish this unique opportunity.”

Hopefully people can handle the truth

Here’s the Boston Herald reporting on Paul Pierce, who as a member of the Washington Wizards is currently making life difficult for the Atlanta Hawks in the second round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs:

Someday, Pierce may have to deal with deals of his own. He won’t be through with basketball when he’s through playing, and, yes, he’d very much be interested in returning to the Celtics to work and learn under Ainge when he’s done bedeviling younger opponents.

“Truthfully, I love the game,” he said. “I want to have my hands on some aspect of the game, whether it be management, ownership. I don’t know right now about coaching. I’m not sure yet. But I definitely want to be involved with the game in some form or fashion.

“It’s definitely a tough business,” he added. “It’s definitely hard work that Danny has to do. He has to think about so many things that come into play when you’re a GM. It’s the relationship you have with the players, it’s the future, it’s about the money and the salary cap. You’ve got to make difficult decisions all the time. And as bad as he wants to win, he understands it’s a building process also, until you can make your move.

“It’s like playing chess. You know, sometimes you’ve got to play your pawns, like he did in ’07, until he made his big move to make the trades. . . . Sometimes it works, and sometimes it don’t.”

Asked if he could see himself in that job, Pierce grins. “I think I’m a fairly good chess player.”

Kevin Love thinks Kelly Olynyk injured him on purpose

Here’s the Boston.com blog reporting on Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love, who suffered a dislocated shoulder at the hands of Celtics big-man Kelly Olynyk during a play that looked like pro wrestling just as much as it looked like basketball:

Kevin Love was not in a celebratory mood after the Cleveland Cavaliers swept the Celtics out of the postseason on Sunday afternoon. Following the game, Love made it clear that he blamed Boston’s Kelly Olynyk for a dislocated left shoulder he suffered in the game.

“I thought it was a bush league play,” Love said of Olynyk’s foul. “I mean I was out there and Olynyk was in a compromising position and had no chance to get the ball. It’s just too bad he would go to those lengths to take someone out of a game and do it to someone. I have no doubt in my mind he did it on purpose.”

Love suffered the shoulder injury midway through the first quarter after getting tangled up with Olynyk as both players attempted to rebound a loose ball. Olynyk was whistled for a foul on the play, but Love was forced to miss the remainder of the contest with the injury.

Derek Fisher a fan of Celtics coach Brad Stevens

Here’s ESPN New York reporting some praise for young Celtics head coach Brad Stevens, who continues to make the most of a fairly limited roster. The Celtics are in big trouble in their first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers but they’ve still played well and put up a good fight:

If you’re an NBA fan who appreciates how well Brad Stevens has the Boston Celtics playing, you’re not alone.

New York Knicks coach Derek Fisher is also a big fan of Stevens’ work.

Fisher mentioned Stevens’ named fairly frequently over the course of the season when talking about coaches he appreciates. There are aspects of Stevens’ approach that Fisher wants to emulate.

“I think Brad kind of has that feel where most of the work is already done and he’s allowing the guys to go out and play the game,” Fisher said of Stevens’ “quiet” sideline demeanor. “That’s kind of the way I feel. That will be my style going forward.”

Isaiah Thomas hates coming off the bench

Here’s NESN reporting on a key Boston Celtic:

Isaiah Thomas won’t sugarcoat it: He hates coming off the bench. Hates it. If given the chance to start, Thomas would take it in a second.

That’s not going to happen anytime soon, though. The Celtics point guard has been too valuable to his team in a reserve role, and the team itself has enjoyed too much success for coach Brad Stevens to mess with a good thing this late in the season.

So, for now, Thomas is stuck. But as the Celtics prepare to begin postseason play, he’s not going to be one to complain.

“Nobody’s sold me on no sixth man role,” Thomas said before Tuesday’s 95-93 win over the Toronto Raptors. “I’ve only had a few talks with (president of basketball operations) Danny (Ainge), a few talks with Brad. This is the role for the team right now, and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

More overseas games for Celtics next season

Here’s the Boston Herald reporting on the Celtics, who are already one of the most famous basketball teams in the world and will get even more live-and-in-person overseas exposure next season:

The Celtics might not be among the better NBA teams in the United States these days, but the franchise continues to be a major brand beyond the borders.

As such, it will soon be announced that the club is playing a third international game outside of the league’s footprint. It was reported here in November that the Celts will play preseason games in Milan and Madrid against local teams next October, and sources now say they will play a regular-season game against Sacramento in Mexico City in late November or early December.

The Kings will be the home team in that game, meaning the Celtics still will have 41 dates at the Garden, not including the preseason and playoffs.

Danny Ainge happy with Celtics playoff push

To make the playoffs or not? If a team has a chance to go far in the postseason, of course they should want in. But if they’re going to be lucky to even be there, and will quickly be sent home, and will receive a lower draft pick as a result? Tough to say what’s better for an organization. Because money is made on home attendance for a couple playoff games. But money also gets made from drafting a better player who helps the team win more and draw more fans and attention. Have fun analyzing all that. Anyway, here’s ESPN Boston reporting on the Celtics:

Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge admitted Thursday that he sees value in his team getting a taste of postseason experience and would be disappointed for his players and coaches if the Celtics were to come up short in their quest for a postseason berth.

Ainge, who as overseer of the team’s rebuild must balance a desire for optimum draft position with the benefits of his current players getting big-game experience, has been leery at times of simply sneaking into the playoffs in a lowly Eastern Conference. But with his team playing far more inspired ball in recent months, the possibility of an extended season seems to have grown on him.

“I probably would be [disappointed if the Celtics missed the postseason], just because our guys have worked really hard and our coaching staff. I know how much they’re focusing on getting into the playoffs,” Ainge said Thursday during his weekly call to Boston sports radio 98.5 the Sports Hub. “They’re working, they have goals, and I’d like for them to accomplish the goals that they’ve set. So, yeah, I’d be disappointed for them.”

Marcus Smart suspended for striking Matt Bonner

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has been suspended one game without pay for hitting San Antonio Spurs center/forward Matt Bonner in the groin, it was announced today by Rod Thorn, President, Basketball Operations.

The incident, which resulted in a Flagrant Foul 2 and ejection for Smart, occurred last night with 8:56 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Celtics’ 101-89 loss to the Spurs at AT&T Center.

Smart will serve his suspension tomorrow when the Celtics host the Detroit Pistons.

To view the play, click on this link.