Celtics head of basketball operations Danny Ainge, apprised of comments made by Celtics free agent Walter McCarty in yesterday's Boston Herald that he ''won't be here'' next year, said he was disappointed and still hopes McCarty will re-sign with the team.

''I can totally understand where Walter is coming from,'' said Ainge. ''Walter McCarty has done a lot for the Boston Celtics. And he's right -- there are some injustices in the salary structure of the NBA. A lot of guys make too much money, and a lot of guys don't get what they deserve.''

McCarty told the Globe last night that he will not return to the Celtics if they offer him the veteran's minimum, but expressed a desire to return to Boston. ''I actually do want to come back,'' McCarty said. ''It's not really about money. But I'm not worth the minimum.

''I totally understand that [the Celtics'] hands are tied. They have to do what works for them, trying to save money. I need to do what works for me and my family.''

''We want Walter back,'' Ainge said. ''We indicated that to his agent, but Walter feels like he's worth more money, and I can't disagree with him.''