One of the remaining big chips in NBA free-agency is off the board now that Rasheed Wallace has committed to signing with the Boston Celtics. ‘Sheed is expected to sign a two-year deal for the mid-level exception on July 8.

The move puts the Celtics back on top as the Eastern Conference favorite. Assuming Kevin Garnett is healthy, KG, Wallace, and Kendrick Perkins give Boston flexibility down low. The Cleveland Cavaliers have to respond by signing Lamar Odom or Shawn Marion, and it’s widely believed LO is returning to LA so that leaves Marion. And even then Boston is still slightly better.

Wallace commits to Celtics [Celtics Blog]