Free agent center Greg Monroe will sign a one-year, $5 million deal with the Boston Celtics, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The big man had recently been bought out by the Phoenix Suns this week and was debating which team to join next, after starting the season with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Celtics have now used up Gordon Hayward's disabled player exception after using $5 of the $8.4 million exception available in signing Monroe, per Wojnarowski.

Boston now has $115 million and guaranteed salaries and are $3.5 million below the tax, according to ESPN Insider Bobby Marks.

His hometown team — the New Orleans Pelicans, were another contender for his services with strong chances to sign him, but could only offer him $2.2 million for the year.

While the Pelicans could ensure him a short-term starting center job next to Anthony Davis due to the injury to DeMarcus Cousins, Monroe opted for less security and double the annual salary after losing part of the money owed to him in a buyout with the Suns.

Monroe will likely have to battle for playing time with Marcus Morris to play in his natural power forward position, while he's bound to get some extra minutes backing up Al Horford at center. But playing under Brad Stevens, who is known to get the most out of his players' strengths on the floor.

Regardless of playing time, this opportunity will give Monroe the best chance of getting an NBA championship, joining the outright leader in the Eastern Conference, and one that is shaping up to have a strong chance to mow down the competition with his help by the postseason.