Considering how active the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers have been on the free agent market, it is no surprise that the Boston Celtics are trying to improve their roster as well. While the Magic managed to pick-up Vince Carter to provide more offensive options, the Cavaliers were able to obtain Shaquille O’Neal in a trade that provided cap relief for the struggling Phoenix Suns.

Thus, the Celtics were forced to add another impact player to their team in order to fulfill their self-proclaimed role as championship contenders. Two days ago, GM Danny Ainge announced that Boston and free-agent Rasheed Wallace were able to agree on a two-year deal for the Mid-Level Exception. The MLE is expected to be around $5.6 million, leading to a contract worth approximately $11 million for the 34-year old veteran center. Last year, Rasheed Wallace averaged 12 points and 7.4 rebounds for the Detroit Pistons.

Despite the Celtics’ second round playoff exit this year, they can be expected to compete among the top teams in the East in 2009-10. Most importantly, their post-season success was hindered by the injury of 12-time NBA All-Star Kevin Garnett. In contrast, Boston’s dynamic young point guard Rajon Rondo showed significant improvement and nearly averaged a triple-double during the 2009 playoffs. With Wallace’s acquisition the Celtics gain a capable center with an excellent outside shot and the ability to stretch out the opposing defense allowing more space to drive to the hoop for Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo. The next hurdle for Boston will be re-signing Glen Davis who consistently played on a high level during the playoffs and is expected to receive many offers from other teams around the league. Even though it remains to be seen whether Boston’s roster will be good enough to compete with Eastern Conference powerhouses Orlando and Cleveland, they certainly do have the chance for a successful post-season run if everyone stays healthy.

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