NBA Free Agency: Celtics Need to Sign Jason Terry Instead of OJ Mayo

The Boston Celtics are looking to stay in playoff contention and continued this pursuit with their reported signing of Kevin Garnett.

Not only will KG bring All-Star caliber production, but he will be a strong mentor and influence on both first-round picks Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo.

Boston has been rumored to be interested in O.J. Mayo, who might even be involved in a sign-and-trade which would send Brandon Bass to Memphis and Mayo to Beantown.

While Mayo is a superb young scorer, losing Bass would be a difficult pill to swallow, because he was such an integral part of the roster this past season.

Instead, the Celtics should go after a cheaper and possibly better option in Jason Terry.

Heading into next season, Avery Bradley will be the starter at the two because of his strengths on the defensive end and his high potential.

For this reason, the Celtics are looking for a sixth man who will bring Boston instant scoring off the bench or provide a lift when the starters are struggling offensively.

During the past eight seasons, Terry has been one of the better sixth men in the league for the Mavericks. In fact, he has averaged at least 15 points per game over the past seven seasons, proving to be one of the more reliable pieces on a championship-contending team.

Terry would give the Celtics the sixth man they will so desperately need in the event that Ray Allen joins another championship contender.

In addition, Terry makes Boston's bench even stronger and would be able to contribute right away, unlike either Sullinger or Melo.

The move even makes sense for Jet, just because the Celtics give Terry a strong chance to win his second championship.

At the end of the day, this signing is a rare win-win for both sides.