Murphy joining Celtics

“It was a very tough decision,’’ said Murphy. “The Celtics and Heat are both great organizations that really do play the right way.

“Going to the Celtics, I feel like I could help them, being another piece that could help them. They have had a lot of success over the past couple of years in the playoffs and I look forward to being out there.’’

The Celtics were still waiting for Murphy to clear waivers, so team president Danny Ainge declined to comment.

Another move could be on the horizon, as the Celtics have two roster spots open, not counting the spot currently filled by Chris Johnson, signed to a 10-day contract last week.

They may have their sights on Corey Brewer, who was bought out by the Knicks Monday after being traded from Minnesota as part of the Carmelo Anthony deal with Denver. Brewer, a 6-foot-9-inch swingman, was taken by the Timberwolves with the seventh pick in the 2007 draft, and though he is a below-average shooter, he is coveted for his defense at the wing spot.

Dallas, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City are among the teams also interested in Brewer.

The Heat had strong interest in Murphy, a 6-11 forward who has shot 39.1 percent on 3-pointers in his career and averaged 8.5 rebounds a game. Murphy’s agent, Dan Fegan, said Murphy wrestled with the decision between Miami — with its new Big Three of Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade — and Boston, which won a title in 2008 and went to the Finals last year behind Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce.

“It’s rare when a player is in a position to choose between two teams and not make a mistake,’’ Fegan said. “Both Miami and Boston are great situations, and in the end, Troy went with his heart. Or I guess I should say his shamrock.’’

Murphy has finished in the top 10 in rebounding in five of his nine seasons. In 2008-09, he was third in the league in 3-point percentage (45 percent). After a strong 2009-10 season in Indiana (14.6 ppg, 10.2 rpg), he was traded to New Jersey in a four-way deal that involved the Rockets and Hornets.