Neither side wanted things to go this way, but James Posey and the Celtics parted company.

Posey got from New Orleans the four years at the full mid-level exception he was seeking, and while the Celts upped their offer from two years to three, they were unwilling to go any further. Posey averaged 7.4 points and 4.4 rebounds in 24.6 minutes during the regular season and dropped slightly to 6.7 points and 3.6 rebounds in 22.0 minutes in the playoffs.

But his contributions were more significant than the numbers would suggest. Posey was generally on the floor in crunch time.

"We were fortunate to have him this year," said Danny Ainge. "He was a big part of our championship season. James was great for us, and that helped him get this offer. I just think both sides had to do what was in their best interest, and this is the way it worked out. We wish James well.

"We think we made him a good offer, but he opted for more security. He was just doing what he thought was best for him. We understand that."

Posey said staying in Boston was his first choice, and his agent, Mark Bartelstein, expanded on that feeling.

"I think this was a very difficult process, to say the least," Bartelstein said. "It was exhausting, but that's what free agency is these days.

"James' feelings toward Boston could not be more positive. The fans couldn't have been better. His teammates couldn't have been better. It's the most fun he's ever had in his career. Doc (Rivers) was great, and so was Danny (Ainge). But this was a time in James' career that he had to make a business decision. He had to take a deep breath when I told him he'd have to make a decision. When it came time to take the New Orleans offer and leave Boston, I think that was the hardest thing he's had to do in basketball because of the way he felt about the Celtics' organization."

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