Danny Ainge will be the Celtics new head of basketball operations, pending resolution of a few remaining issues. Team sources confirmed Ainge met again with club officials yesterday, at which time he was formally offered the position.

The former Celtics guard is still in town and has been removed from his duties as color commentator on TNT for tonight's Game 3 of the Celtics-New Jersey series. An announcement of his hiring could come as early as today if the remaining points are cleared up. Team officials were confident an agreement would be finalized and were looking for the best way to fit in the announcement.

The latter point is sensitive after word that news of the Ainge courtship did not sit well with the Celtics' players and coaches because of the timing. Those most involved with the on-court effort were reportedly not appreciative of the fact the potential change in direction for the basketball operation is unfolding while the team is in the midst of the Eastern Conference semifinals against New Jersey.