A. Sherrod Blakely tweets
Celtics appear to be close to signing Shaquille O'Neal. Will have the story up shortly.
More details as they emerge
UPDATE:
Shaquille O'Neal is about to take his talents to South Bay -- Boston, that is. The 38-year-old, 15-time All-Star is close to agreeing to a deal with the Celtics, a person with knowledge of the agreement confirmed to CBSSports.com.
Shaq, soon to be known as the Big Shamrock -- or, fill in your favorite nickname -- is on the verge of accepting the veteran's minimum starting at about $1.4 million, the person with knowledge of the deal said. The number of years was still being worked out Tuesday, but Comcast SportsNet-New England -- which first reported the Shaq-to-Celtics news -- said O'Neal is seeking a two-year deal. In all likelihood, the second year would be a player's option.
2 years at the minimum is fine with me. I've said it a million times... a minimum wage deal is no risk. If it doesn't work out, you buy him out and say "thanks for the memories." Come playoff time, he'll be a 2nd or 3rd big off the bench... which is a nice option to have at that point, even at his age.
As for the critics who say he'll kill this locker room.... have you SEEN the guys in this locker room? Who's going to come in and be a stronger personality than them?