Tony Allen’s move to the Memphis Grizzlies left the Celtics with a hole defensively.
But according to CSNNE.com, Matt Barnes won’t be filling that void.
Barnes, who has played seven seasons with seven different teams, was a key defensive player for the Orlando Magic last season and averaged 8.8 points per game in 81 games. For his career, Barnes has averaged 7.3 points and 4.4 rebounds in 21.3 minutes per game.
While Barnes seems like a logical fit — given his ability to serve as a perimeter defender and agitator — Dallas, Miami and the Los Angeles Lakers are believed to be his top three choices.
The 30-year-old told CSNNE.com following the Celtics’ win over the Magic in the Eastern Conference finals that he would not be opposed to signing with Boston, but nothing has materialized, and two league sources reportedly have said that the C’s are not expected to sign the 6-foot-7 swingman.
The Magic also reportedly haven’t made an offer to Barnes, which means he will don his eighth different uniform next season.
With Barnes out of the picture, CSNNE.com reports that the Celtics may elect to keep an eye on other wing players, such as Josh Howard, Antoine Wright, Rasual Butler and Adam Morrison.
