Celtics Beat :: Celtics Sign Jerebko and Johnson

Amir Johnson agreed to a two-year, $24-million United States contract with the Boston Celtics, according to multiple reports.

Johnson, who has split his National Basteball Association career between the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors, has the distinction of being the last player to jump from high school straight to the pros. Detroit drafted him 56th overall back in 2005.

Both players are on short-term deals (two years) that will keep the Celtics competitive in the interim, but maintain Boston’s flexibility to throw big money at a star a couple of years down the road.

After spending six seasons with the Raptors, Johnson has managed to sign a very good contract in Boston, at least for himself.

Kevin Love is out of the mix for the Celts after re-signing with Cleveland.

Johnson’s greatest impact on the Celtics will come on the defensive end.

The Boston Celtics are going to be forced to be patient in free agency. Moreover, guards Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley can now take more risks on the perimeter with the knowledge that a capable defensive frontcourt can shore up any empty gambles – not to mention that first-round pick Terry Rozier will have the same luxury as he adjusts to playing NBA-level defense.

As a costly market for National Basteball Association players has been set here, what can we expect from Ainge and company? It’s from a Celtics-Raptors game late in the 2013-14 season.

For all up to date deals here is your 2015 National Basteball Association Free Agent Tracker presented by SonicsRising. The signing of DeMarre Carroll, a free agency splash that would’ve never happened in Amir’s early years, all but sealed the big man’s renouncement. From day one, Johnson will be a ideal fit in the locker room.

One name that has been tossed around is free agent forward Tobias Harris.

Sources from other teams and within the player rep community say the C’s are also in play for Tobias Harris and Corey Brewer, but in those cases the club is said to have its limits.

Phil Pressey is in a rather precarious position.