The Celtics' offseason pursuit of forwards and centers continues, with Boston now reportedly showing "serious interest" in free-agent forward Josh Howard, this according to Yahoo! Sports' Marc Spears. The Bulls are also rumored to be heavily eying Howard.
While the Bulls could have the salary-cap space to sign Howard, depending on what happens with their offer sheet to J.J. Redick, the Celtics would need a sign-and-trade to arrange a deal because they have already used their midlevel exception on Jermaine O'Neal.
Howard has yet to receive a contract offer. The Washington Wizards also have some interest in re-signing Howard.
Howard, a 2003 first-round pick, spent his entire career with the Mavericks before being traded to the Wizards last season. He appeared in just four games for Washington before he tore the ACL in his left knee in March. Howard is reportedly ahead of schedule in his rehab after originally being told he'd miss six to eight months and is expected to be ready by the start of the 2010-11 season.