Celtics close to sign and trade for All-Star David West


NBA.com
A source briefed on discussions Friday evening said that the Boston Celtics are close to a deal with free agent power forward David West, who has been with the New Orleans Hornets since being drafted in 2003.
West, 31, was expected to be one of the top free agents in this year's class, but he is coming off of a torn ACL suffered late last season in a game against Utah. West has diligently rehabbed his injury in North Carolina last summer, but teams have been slow to make significant offers to him.
A two-time All-Star, West has averaged 16.4 points and 7.3 rebounds in his eight NBA seasons. If healthy, West would be a boon whether starting or coming off the bench for the Celtics.

Rumor: Sign-and-trade for a 3-year, $27-29M deal. Who's gone? Ray? J.O? Green?

Yahoo's Wojo reporting JO is being traded.
David West has desperately wanted to play for a winner, and will take less money to do so in Boston.
Update 2:50 AM 
Boston Herald
Ainge, known for his blockbuster moves, nearly pulled off another one last night when he reportedly came close to signing pricey free agent David West. It was unclear whether he attempted to use restricted free agent Jeff Green in a sign-and-trade to make the deal for West possible.

“They’re out of that race, but they did try,” said a league source.
Boston Herald is the only place reporting deal is dead. They usually don't know shit, so take this with a grain of salt until confirmed by more sources.

Update 3:05 AM
Yahoo Sports Wojo and Spears
Free-agent forward David West is nearing an agreement to join the Boston Celtics on a three-year deal that will pay him between $27 million and $29 million, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The Celtics are working to complete a sign-and-trade deal with the New Orleans Hornets, and are expected to include center Jermaine O’Neal and guard Sasha Pavlovic. The Hornets are believed to have a third team willing to take O’Neal, the veteran center.