A source close to the situation has told WEEI.com Grant Hill is leaning toward re-signing with the Phoenix Suns. The 36-year-old forward has been a free agent prospect for the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks, among other teams, this summer. The Celtics have been eyeing Hill as a potential back up for Paul Pierce, a major hole in last season’s bench.

According to the source, Hill’s concern with coming to Boston is the decreased role, not the money. He has spent most of his 14-year career as a starter and averaged nearly 30 minutes with the Suns last season. (He has never averaged less than 29 minutes per game.) The Celtics do not have anywhere close to that to offer with the starting lineup playing the majority of minutes and the recent signing of Rasheed Wallace.

Although they have expressed their interest to Hill, the Celtics know they are not the only team in the picture. “I don’t even allow myself to go there, optimistic or pessimistic,” Danny Ainge said on Thursday at Wallace’s introductory press conference. “He knows our desire for him. We know his interest in us.”

Hill averaged 12.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists last season while shooting 52.3% from the field. He has also averaged 16.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 22 playoff games.

Update: Yahoo! Sports has reported Hill has decided to re-sign with the Suns.

One Comments for “Source: Hill leaning toward Phoenix”

1. John Says:
   July 10th, 2009 at 10:13 am

   Danny…anyone there? Don’t let this slip away! This is the final piece of the puzzle! We need to show Grant the same love we showed Rasheed. Get the big 4 on a plane and get over there fast! This is his last and only chance to get a ring! Bring the championship rings on your fingers boys & your biggest smiles! Let him know that he will get his minutes backing up both Paul & Ray! make it happen, don’t sit back & wait!!!

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