Celtics set to trade Walker to Miami in multi-team deal

The Celtics made sure they received something in return for free agent Antoine Walker, agreeing in principle to a sign-and-trade with Miami this afternoon. According to two Eastern Conference sources, Walker will receive $52 million over six years with a starting salary of approximately $6.75 million.

Although the details of the deal, which likely will also involve Utah, Memphis, and Sacramento, and 12 or more players, are still being finalized, the same sources said Boston would receive two second-round picks from Miami; the rights to Albert Morales, who currently plays for Valencia, Spain; a $5.4 million trade exception; Utah 7-footer Curtis Borchardt, and Miami wing player Qyntel Woods as well as cash considerations from Miami.

Other players trading places in the deal include the Grizzlies’ Jason Williams and James Posey heading to the Heat. Eddie Jones would move from Miami to Memphis. Greg Ostertag goes from Sacramento to Utah, while Bobby Jackson leaves Sacramento for Memphis. Kirk Snyder and Raul Lopez go from Utah to Memphis.

League approval of the deal could come as early as Wednesday. For the Celtics, the deal represented an opportunity to get coveted draft picks and a valued trade exception without assuming salary.

While Borchardt will compete for a job, don’t expect to see Woods in a Boston uniform. The Celtics have a glut of players at the wing position, plus past off-court problems make Woods a less-than-ideal fit for the organization. But Boston might not waive Woods immediately, preferring to see if it could throw him into another deal before the start of the season.

Both Borchardt and Woods are entering the final year or their respective contracts. And, in any event, the cash considerations the Celtics will receive should cover the salaries of Borchardt and Woods.