Source: Murphy leaning towards Celtics

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By A. Sherrod Blakely
CSNNE.com

DENVERThe Boston Celtics have their sights locked on adding Troy Murphy.

According to a source close to Murphy, the 6-foot-11 center feels the same way.

But there's one problem.

Murphy isn't currently available.

He was recently traded by New Jersey to the Golden State Warriors, with all indications being that Golden State would buy him out and thus allow him to sign with the team of his choosing.

However, Y! Sports' Marc Spears reports that there are "a lot of considerations" now that might result in Golden State holding on to him.

That's possible.

Another reason the Warriors might be taking this tact is to drive down the buy-out price for Murphy being set free.

Murphy is due to make 11.97 million this season after signing a six-year, 58 million extension in 2004.

Like most teams, the Warriors are looking to cut costs as much as possible.

Getting rid of Murphy at a significantly reduced buy-out price is one way to make that happen.

As for the Celtics, Murphy's interest in the C's peaked following the series of trades Boston made on Thursday.

Prior to that, another league source indicated Murphy had reservations about the C's because he wasn't sure how much he would play.

Boston traded away five players, three of which play power forward and center - Murphy's two positions.

Not only would he play in Boston, but it's not that big a stretch that he could eventually start at times when you consider all the injuries the C's have experienced with most occurring with their centers.

Even if Murphy eventually gets a buyout completed with the Warriors, it's by no means a given that he'll wind up in Boston.

Miami remains in the picture as well.

They present many of the same opportunities that the Celtics do, including a chance to play for one of the premier teams in the NBA.

You've got that great South Beach weather, the new Big Three, and a team that, like Boston, desperately needs another big man who can stretch the floor.

But one of Murphy's former teammates believes the C's tradition might give them a slight edge in the end.

"A Notre Dame kid named Murphy, a chance to play for the Celtics? Come on, does it get any more perfect than that?" he said.

A. Sherrod Blakely can be reached at sblakely@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Sherrod on Twitter at http:twitter.comsherrodbcsn.

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