Italian small forward Luigi "Gigi" Datome has drawn interest from the Celtics, who are among three NBA teams reportedly intrigued by the 25-year-old, according to a report from the Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport passed along by Sportando's Emiliano Carchia. Datome is playing in his native Italy with Virtus Roma this season, averaging 17.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game to go with 44.3% three-point shooting over 22 contests this season.
Datome's isn't in play immediately, since he's still under contract with Virtus Roma, but that deal expires in the offseason. It's unclear how much Datome will be able to command financially, but if a bidding war ensues, the Celtics would be somewhat handicapped. Boston will likely be over the cap this summer, meaning the team couldn't exceed the mid-level exception to bring him or anyone else aboard. The first-year salary is set at $5.15MM for next year's full mid-level.
As a 21-year-old in 2009, Datome went undrafted by NBA clubs, though it appears his game has evolved since then. As witnessed by the Knicks' signing of 35-year-old Pablo Prigioni this summer, overseas prospects don't have to be young to draw attention. Datome recently switched agencies, moving from Side by Side to Sigma Sports.