Celtics likely keeping Brandon Bass

The Boston Celtics reached an agreement with Brandon Bass Thursday afternoon on a three-year deal, according to a league source.

Bass opted out of the final year of his previous contract in order to secure a longer-term deal, but expressed a strong desire to return to Boston throughout the latter part of the season.

Bass appeared in 59 games last year — including 39 starts as he moved to the starting power forward role in the second half of the season — and averaged career-highs of 12.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.

The Celtics acquired Bass from the Orlando Magic last season in a sign-and-trade deal in exchange for Glen Davis.

– Reported by Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston