NBA News and Rumors 2012: Boston Celtics Set to Let Go Mickael Pietrus, Chicago Bulls Possible Destination?

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Jul 25, 2012 05:00 PM EDT
Mickael Pietrus
Last season, Pietrus averaged 6.9 points on 38-percent shooting in 42 games. He’s seen more as a defensive player but injuries have limited him in this respect as well.(Photo : Reuters) "

The latest rumor around the NBA is Boston Celtics forward Mickael Pietrus will not be back in Boston next season.

The reason he won't return has to do with money.

The Celtics are facing salary cap issues and only have the veteran's minimum deal and the bi annual exception of $2.2 million to offer.

With his value much higher than what it is the Celtics will not be able to use the bi annual deal on Pietrus due to the fact they can only use this once every two years. On top of that Pietrus' agent openly said to the media that his client "is not a veteran minimum player."

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"We haven't heard from (the Celtics), so we'll move on," said Pietrus' agent, Bill McKandless. "I'm not surprised. If we hear from them Mike will be thrilled, and if not then I guess that's life in the big city.

"Mike is fine," said McKandless. "He's had a great career. He's 30, so he's in his prime. It's not as if he's 36."

During the postseason, particularly in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat, Pietrus was one of the more valuable players on the Celtics team.

 His perimeter defense on LeBron James and Dwayne Wade was exceptional, in addition, his long range three-point ability and countless momentum-changing long balls, helped push the series to Game 7.

Last season, Pietrus averaged 6.9 points on 38-percent shooting in 42 games. He's seen more as a defensive player but injuries have limited him in this respect as well.

With that said, what's next for Pietrus? What team should pick him up?

Well if it were up to me, I say the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls let go of defensive guard Ronnie Brewer and are in dire need of a replacement. Pietrus would be the ideal replacement especially since the Bulls are expected to be without Derrick Rose for half a season.

Pietrus can come on as a starter and help spread the defense being the proficient shooter that he is.

Richard Hamilton was never the solution as a guard to help Rose offensively, but Pietrus may just fill out that role very well. When Rose returns the starting lineup should include himself, Pietrus, Deng, Boozer and Noah.

Now that's an improvement. 

 

 

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