Free agent Troy Murphy will sign with the Celtics, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.

Yahoo's Marc Spears reported that Murphy was signing with the Heat, but Stein says Murphy told him personally that Boston is the choice. The Celtics certainly have room for big minutes up front with Kendrick Perkins gone and both O'Neals hobbled, but Murphy hasn't really played since December. His 3-point/rebound upside is worth a speculative add while we see how Doc Rivers wants to play this and what kind of shape Murphy is in.

The Heat are the "front-runners" for Troy Murphy, a source tells ESPN.com.

Murphy must clear waivers before anyone can sign him. The Heat are far from a lock to win his services as the Celtics look like a perfect fit as well. Still, Murphy hasn't played all year and it's unclear what kind of shape he is in. Owners can make a speculative add for the 3-point/rebound upside, but know that he'll be eased in no matter where he lands.

Tim Kawakami is reporting that the Warriors have reached a buyout agreement with Troy Murphy, which should allow him to clear waivers later in the week.

He'll choose between the Heat, Celtics and Magic, and should offer decent fantasy value if he's in shape. We will have more details on Monday.

In addition to Troy Murphy, the Celtics are also keeping an eye on other players who may be bought out this week -- Dan Gadzuric, Sasha Pavlovic, and Jason Kapono.

Murphy is easily the most desirable player in that group, and he seems like a great fit in Boston's new-look frontcourt. Everyone else would fill niche roles and none of them warrant fantasy attention.

Comcast SportsNet's Matt Steinmetz reported Friday that Troy Murphy will still be bought out.

Things can change, but Steinmetz is plugged in at Golden State and owners should probably revert back to the stance they were taking 24 hours ago when he was looking at Boston, Miami, and Orlando to name a few. He is not a must-own player given the chance he lands in a crowded situation in Orlando, but is somebody to consider for the chance he lands in Boston or Miami and carries some value.

The Warriors are hesitating to buy out the contract of Troy Murphy, and it seems there is a chance they will keep him after all.

Golden State could buy him out, freeing him to sign with a contender, but they might be contemplating holding onto him for a run at the playoffs. Stay tuned.

The Celtics traded several players, including center Kendrick Perkins on Wednesday, potentially clearing the way to obtain Troy Murphy once he clears waivers.

The Celtics will be starting either Nenad Krstic or Kevin Garnett at center until Shaquille O'Neal is healthy, and could give that job to Murphy if and when they acquire him, making him worth a grab in fantasy leagues.

Troy Murphy's name might appear again in a trade prior to the deadline as the Warriors are making efforts to acquire draft picks for the big man.

The Warriors already said they intend to buy out his contract but teams interested in the big may may make a pitch for his services before this happens. The Warriors are open to offers and interested teams may include Boston or Miami.

Nets send Troy Murphy and a 2012 No. 2 pick to the Warriors for Brandan Wright and Dan Gadzuric.

Gadzuric is likely to be bought out, while Wright could actually get some decent run for the Nets. As for Murphy, a buyout is surely coming and he will likely end up with a contender.

The Warriors are expected to officially acquire Troy Murphy and a second-round pick in exchange for Brandan Wright and Dan Gadzuric on Wednesday or Thursday.

Marcus Thompson of the Contra Costa Times confirms that Murphy "will be bought out and become a free agent," clearing him to sign with another team. Among the teams that have been mentioned as possible destinations are the Celtics and Heat, neither of which has room to give Murphy significant minutes. Even once dealt and bought out, fantasy owners shouldn't be holding out hope for a major spike in value.

Several pieces associated with the Deron Williams trade including Troy Murphy of the Nets and Branden Wright and Dan Gadzuric of the Warriors, are in fact a part of a separate trade and still in negotiation.

This trade is still expected to happen but it may vary depending on how other trades work out.

According to a report, should Troy Murphy be traded to Golden State and his contract bought out, Boston and Miami are the top two destinations.

Murphy would probably see more value at Miami but would be a reserve in either scenario.

The Nets are reportedly "near" a deal that would send Troy Murphy and a 2012 second round pick to the Warriors for Dan Gadzuric and Brandan Wright.

It's possible that this trade expands to include a third team such as Dallas or Portland with Devin Harris on the block, but it's far from certain. The Warriors are expected to buy out Murphy, who will then become a free agent, and the chance that he gets traded to a contender or otherwise bad situation keeps him from being a must-add player. Stash him in standard leagues knowing he's a longshot to help.

The Warriors and Nets have reportedly discussed a trade that would send Dan Gadzuric and Brandan Wright to New Jersey in exchange for Troy Murphy and a second-round pick.

The deal isn't imminent and "would probably occur much closer to [Thursday's trade deadline]," and there is a good chance that the Warriors would buy out Murphy's contract before he ever reported. Such a move would free him up to sign with a playoff-bound team.

The Warriors are reportedly in pursuit of Troy Murphy, and could land him whether or not the Nets make a deal for Carmelo.

Warriors GM Larry Riley said that any deal for Murphy would go through New Jersey -- the team wants to use their expiring contracts (Dan Gadzuric, Vladimir Radmanovic and Brandan Wright) to get rebounding help or draft picks. From a fantasy perspective, Murphy would likely thrive if he returned to the Bay Area, where he spent the first six years of his career.

Troy Murphy could still be involved in a trade for Carmelo Anthony, but for luxury-tax reasons the Nuggets reportedly won't take his expiring $12 million contract.

Denver would "package" Murphy with at least one of the whopping four first-round picks that the Nets would give up, and send him along to another team. Minnesota, Cleveland, and Detroit have all been mentioned, and fantasy owners can only sit back and hope that he is actually used wherever he lands.

The Magic are the most likely destination for Troy Murphy if a buyout is reached, a source tells SI's Chris Mannix.

Note that a buyout is a last resort option for the Nets. They'd much rather find a trading partner. But Murphy would fit nicely in Orlando as the classic "stretch four" that they covet. The problem is that Ryan Anderson and Brandon Bass are already doing a nice job at the four spot. Murphy's minutes would be capped if he does land in Orlando.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports that with trade talks stalling, "Nets GM Billy King will ultimately work a buyout to free [Troy] Murphy to sign elsewhere."

Among Murphy's potential suitors are the Hornets, Celtics, Heat, Magic and Mavericks. None of those teams has a clear path to minutes at power forward, with the Magic being probably the most favorable situation. Even so, that would still be crowded due to the presence of Ryan Anderson and Brandon Bass. Consider this a reminder that even though Murphy appears likely to get out of New Jersey, there are no guarantees he ends up in a favorable situation.

Nets GM Billy King said he thinks a Troy Murphy trade will happen before next Thursday's deadline.

Murphy hasn't played since Jan. 7 as he's been banished to the inactive list. Without any hints as to where Murphy might land, he is just a speculative fantasy add. He's an elite rebounder and shooter, but will likely need some time to get back in gameshape.

The Nets would like an expiring contract for Troy Murphy, but would also be willing to take a young player with potential.

This is big news for those that have been stashing Murphy. The Nets apparently have every intention of trading him before Feb. 24, even if they have to take on a little bit of salary. His fantasy value will solely depend on where he ends up and what kind of shape he's in.