According to both sources, the C's have offered Wallace a two-year contract for the $5.8 million mid-level exception. Danny Ainge, the team's executive director of Basketball operations, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, coach Doc Rivers and co-owner Wyc Grousbeck were all on hand for the Celtics .

Wallace, represented by agent Bill Strickland, was said to be particularly open to the Celtics' sale pitch, though they are not the only team he is listening to.

Garnett, long a Wallace admirer, has jumped into the process as a passionate recruiter - clearly stirred by what the 7-footer can contribute with his shooting touch and capable defense. Indeed, it was with Garnett's encouragement that the Celtics have pursued this option.

Pierce and Allen, who in the past have played a role in signing free agents like P.J. Brown, have also leant their influence to the situation.

The sitdown was said to be part of a series of meetings being set up with all of the teams interested in signing the power forward/center. The San Antonio Spurs and the Cleveland Cavaliers - who introduced Shaquille O'Neal as their latest addition yesterday - were also expected to meet with Wallace.

The Cavaliers, in pursuit of Ron Artest until the former Rocket's agreement to a contract with the Lakers yesterday, may now be emerging as a more serious contender for Wallace's services. That may be especially true now that former Laker Trevor Ariza - another player who interested the Cavs - is reportedly on the verge of signing with the Rockets. Charlie Villanueva, another player who interested them, agreed to terms with Detroit on Wednesday.

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, who lives in Detroit, flew back there yesterday afternoon following the O'Neal press conference. General manager Danny Ferry was also said to be traveling.

Though Wallace is fielding these pitches relatively early in the free agency process, teams have been warned that he may take some time before making a decision.

``I get the feeling that this is going to take some time,'' said one of the sources. ``People who make commitments this early sometimes make mistakes.''

The Celtics , thanks to Wallace's friendship with Garnett, are an attractive destination for the former Piston, though all of his reported suitors are contenders.

With Wallace clearly the priority for the Celtics , the rest of the field is secondary, though Ainge has contacted the agents for a wide range of free agents. Their interest in Grant Hill, for instance, is said to be of a low priority while the Celtics still have a chance of signing Wallace.

Considering that Wallace is expected to command the full mid-level exception, further free agent signings by the Celtics would be limited to the veteran's minimum of $1.9 million.

Indeed, Ainge spoke highly of a minimum contract signing earlier this week when he said, ``sometimes those are the players who work out the best.''

- mrmurphy@bostonherald.com