Bayless would like to return to Boston

During a Boys and Girls Club charity event Jerryd Bayless spoke with Boston.com. After discussing the transition between college and turning pro, Bayless was asked about his future in Boston.

Would you like to return to the Celtics next season?

I would be happy about that. That would be great. One of the things I said when I got here is I want to find a home somewhere. I’d be very happy staying here.

Since joining the Celtics this season, Bayless has been a welcome addition to the Celtics bench and proven to be an apt starter when called upon. In 32 games played for Boston this season Bayless has averaged 9.6 points and 3.4 assists while shooting 41% from the field.

Since being traded for Courteney Lee prior to the All-Star break, Bayless has expressed interest in making a home with the Boston Celtics. He will be a free agent at the conclusion of this season and despite expressing interest in staying in green, his future with the team remains up in the air.

The Celtics backcourt situation has been an interesting one all season. Before Jordan Crawford and MarShon Brooks were traded to Golden State, the Celtics had six potential starting guards all competing for playing time- Brooks, Bradley, Crawford, Pressey, Bayless, and the returning Rajon Rondo.

After Brooks and Crawford were shipped out, the injury bug swept the team, and Rondo's recovery limiting his playing time, the Celtics backcourt was suddenly thin and the team was calling on Gerald Wallace to fill in.

With Rondo nearing a return to full capacity, Celtics rookie Phil Pressey, and call-ups Chris Babb and Chris Johnson all competing for permanent spots, both Avery Bradley and Jerryd Bayless' spots on the team are in question as free agency looms.

It is not a question of value as each player has proven their worth to the C's when healthy, but of how they fit in the short term/long term vision of the team. Are either, or both, worth another multi-year, multi-million dollar contract, better off in free agency, or possibly more helpful to the Celtics as part of a sign-and-trade?

Follow Padraic O'Connor on Twitter at @padraic_oconnor

Source: Boston.com; Gary Dzen

Photo Source: AP