Troy Murphy-to-Boston, thought to be a done deal not so long ago, now isn't such a sure thing.
Bob Ryan and Tim Welch analyze where Murphy is a better fit: Miami or Boston
The Miami Heat have jumped into the mix for Murphy, who was bought out Monday by the Golden State Warriors, and the 30-year-old centerpower forward reportedly is torn between signing with the Celtics and signing with the Heat.
CSNNE.com's A. Sherrod Blakely reported that Murphy didn't expect Miami to become involved in the bidding.
"Murphy's camp did not believe the Miami Heat were going to create the kind of roster space to bring him aboard, because that would mean they would have to eat a guaranteed contract, which . . . it seemed like they weren't willing to do," said Blakely. "But that has changed.
"I think a reason for that is because they've played a few games and they've realized they really do need someone who can space the floor for LeBron James and Chris Bosh and those guys. So Miami is definitely back in play for Murphy . . . "
Murphy reportedly spoke to Danny Ainge of the Celtics and Pat Riley of the Heat on Monday night, and may make a decision as early as Tuesday.
Boston Celtics
In other buyout news regarding the Celtics . . .
Blakely said the Celts, contrary to other reports, have "little to no interest" in point guard Mike Bibby, who negotiated a buyout with the Wizards -- who acquired him from the Hawks last week -- and reportedly is headed to Miami. Blakely said Bibby is a defensive liability, and the Celts were further soured by the problems he's had with Boston fans in the past. Bibby blasted the Celtics fans as front-runners during the 2008 Boston-Atlanta playoff series.
ESPN.com's Jackie MacMullen reports the Celtics would look into signing 6-foot-11 center Dan Gadzuric if, as expected, he's bought out by the Nets. Gadzuric, ironically, went to New Jersey last week in the deal that sent Murphy to Golden State.
ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported via Twitter that the Knicks will buy out small forward Corey Brewer, and the Celtics would have interest if Brewer becomes available.