But Boston will have to find a way to woo Lee and free up the right cash, as about eight teams are interested in the free agent guard, ESPN Boston reports.
"I have a great relationship with Doc [Rivers], from the first time I stepped on an NBA court," Lee said. "I would say our meeting [on Saturday] went well. As far as characterizing where I'm at with the team — coach and player-wise, we're on the same page. It's just my agent and their front office guys have to talk and work something out."
The main hurdle appears to be the Celtics finding cap space for Lee. They'd most likely need to work out a sign-and-trade with the Rockets, who would have more flexibility in signing Lee due to NBA rules that favor teams re-signing veterans.
Boston has been active in the offseason, picking up former Mavericks shooting guard Jason Terry and coming to deals with returning players Jeff Green, Brandon Bass and Kevin Garnett. The Celtics did lose out on Ray Allen, though, and Lee would help fill the team's needs at the guard position. He averaged 11.4 points on 40 percent 3-point shooting last season.
The Celtics do have one edge over other suitors.
"I want to win," Lee said, according to WEEI. "I got a taste of the playoffs and going to the Finals my rookie year [with Orlando], and I want to go back there. Everybody knows [the Celtics'] record and what they've accomplished over the years, especially with Doc and having KG and Paul [Pierce] and all those guys. [Rajon] Rondo's still there. That's a team that I feel that will win and continue to win. That's one factor in the decision."
It's an opportunity the Celtics appear willing to provide.
Click here for an opinion on what Courtney Lee would bring to the Celtics >>
