When the Boston Celtics 2012 season ended in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat, Brandon Bass knew he wanted to return for another shot at the title.
On Thursday, Bass and the Celtics reached an agreement on a three-year contract worth around 20 million.
Im really looking forward to going back to the playoffs and winning a championship, Bass told CSNNE.com in a telephone interview.
The 6-8 power forward received interest from several teams around the league, including the Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs. Ultimately, he believed he had the best chance to win it all by staying put in Boston, where he had been traded to from the Orlando Magic last offseason.
There were a bunch of teams involved, but I knew where I wanted to be at, he said, adding, There was doubt just knowing they (the Celtics) had a decision to make and I wasnt sure how theyd go about doing it, but I knew I wanted to be back and I knew I wanted to be a Celtic.
One season in Boston was enough time for Bass, 27, to decide where he wanted to spend the next few years of his career.
It was just the Celtics as an organization, what they had built over the years as far as the legacy of all the great players that had played for them and being all about winning, he said. And thats what Im about.
Boston Celtics
Bass had conversations with head coach Doc Rivers about returning to the Celtics. Rivers praised Bass efforts last season in which he moved from the bench to the starting forward role, averaging 12.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.
I was talking to Doc and he expressed how he wanted me to be back and the good season, the good run we had, he wanted to do it again, said Bass. I was glad to hear that.
Bass was also encouraged by the return of Kevin Garnett, who also inked a multi-year deal this summer.
At the end of the day, without KG I dont think were a championship team, he said. I wouldnt say he necessarily played a specific role because we all come in as individuals so weve got to make the best positive decision on our own, but knowing that hes there, it is some comfort in knowing that weve got a chance at winning a championship.
Free agents can officially sign on July 11. Bass is happy to have agreed on a deal early in the free agency period and not dragged it out during the summer. He is also pleased that this new contract means he is contending for a trophy every season.
The best part of returning to the Celtics is just to know that every year Ill be competing for a championship, he said. That right there alone is something to be happy about.