Wallace to join Big Three in Boston

NBA insiders indicate that Rasheed Wallace has agreed to sign with the Boston Celtics first thing Wednesday.

The eighth of July is the start of the free agent signing period.

"Once (Wallace) had a chance to reflect on everything, and realizing what his objectives are, he just decided this was the best fit for him, all the way around," said Bill Strickland, Wallace's agent.

The former Pistons forward is expected to be paid in the region of the mid-level exception on a two year contract (approximately US$5.6 million annually).

The Celtics' Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, along with owner Wyc Grousback, head coach Doc Rivers and president Danny Ainge had a meeting with Wallace last week. Wallace is reported to have rejected both Orlando and San Antonio to become a Celtic.

"He makes us better on both ends of the floor," Allen said.

Meanwhile, the Celtics also have an interest in free agent forward Grant Hill. Boston is expected to offer its bi-annual exception of US$1.9 million to Hill.