Celtics sign veteran guard Sam Cassell

BOSTON, March 4 (UPI) -- The Boston Celtics have signed free agent Sam Cassell, the veteran guard's agent told the Boston Globe.

Cassell, who was given his release by the Los Angeles Clippers, cleared waivers Monday evening and was expected to join the Celtics Tuesday, said his agent, David Falk.

Cassell, 38, was in Baltimore Monday, because of a death in the family.

"But he will be on his way (to Boston) and everything is done," Falk told the Globe. "He is really excited."

It was not known whether Cassell would play against Detroit Wednesday night, the newspaper said. He has not played since Feb. 20 due to a sore wrist.

Cassell is a 15-year NBA veteran. He played on championship teams in Houston in 1994 and 1995.

He is joining a Celtics team whose premiere players -- including Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce -- are all in their 30s. However, the team has prospered since adding Garnett and Allen.

The Celtics are 42-12 this season, 14 games ahead of the second-place Toronto Raptors in the Atlantic Division.

Cassell has also played for Milwaukee, Minnesota, Phoenix Dallas and New Jersey.