The Boston Celtics nearly signed Kenyon Martin earlier this season.

"It was real close," Martin said. "Like, the deal was almost done. From what I understood, Doc [Rivers] wanted me and the players wanted me, but in the 11th hour …"

The Celtics reportedly prioritized backcourt depth over Martin.

"They didn't pull the trigger," Martin said. "And I'm not talking a few days ago or even a few weeks ago. This was a couple of months ago."

Martin signed with the Knicks last month after sitting out all season.

"So now I'm here and I'm going to make them pay -- I'm going to make all the teams that passed on me pay," Martin said.