ALLSTONAlthough no deal has been finalized, the Celtics and Jeff Green's agent sound as though it's a matter of when -- not if -- he'll officially be back in a Celtics uniform.
"We intend to have Jeff back," said Danny Ainge, the Celtics president of basketball operations. "Nothing is done, but we intend to have him back. We're going to enter a contract with him hopefully near the end of the moratorium."
Teams were able to discuss contracts with free agents on July 1, but can not enter into a signed agreement until July 11.
Ainge added, "I feel good about Jeff and where he's at. He wants to be back. We want him back. And we're working to make that happen."
Green's agent, David Falk, was in town for the introductory press conference for another of his clients, C's first-round pick Jared Sullinger.
When asked about Green re-signing with the Celtics, Falk said, "I'd like to get it done as soon as possible. This is his number one desired destination."
Although Green hasn't spent much time with the C's since arriving via trade from Oklahoma City in 2011, the connection the forward has established with the players and the franchise is undeniable.
Boston Celtics
After it was learned that he had a heart condition that would require surgery and keep him off the court for the entire 2011-12 season, his teammates took it harder than expected.
Kevin Garnett, the emotional catalyst of the Celtics, could not hide his disappointment and sadness at the start of last season when it was clear that Green would not be able to play.
"Jeff's our brother," Garnett said. "We want him around."
And around, he was.
After his surgery in January and the necessary recovery, Green wasted little time returning to Boston where he underwent most of his rehabilitation.
He was around the practice facility, and at regular season and playoff games.
In many ways, it was like he never was gone other than when it was time to play.
"That's kind of how it is around here," Celtics guard Avery Bradley told CSNNE.com earlier this season. "You hear Kevin talk about it all the time, a brotherhoodit really is like that around here."
And then there's the relationship between Green and head coach Doc Rivers, which both have repeatedly said is very strong.