The C's only could offer their $1.9 million biannual exception but provided Hill with the best chance of winning an NBA title, albeit as a reserve.

The Knicks offered more money (a one-year, $5.8 million mid-level deal) but didn't have the right environment, either.

``Grant decided to stay in business because there is unfinished business there (in Phoenix),'' said Hill's agent, Lon Babby.

As a result, the Celtics have unfinished business, as well.

There still are free agents who interest them - notably restricted free agent Jamario Moon, a younger player in the Hill mold. But the Celtics can't afford Moon unless his price significantly drops.

Their best shot at anyone with a straight-up offer is the biannual exception.

A league source said yesterday the Celtics have investigated sign-and-trade possibilities with other teams - a scenario that could theoretically work in a move for Moon, who finished last season with Miami. The Celts also have expiring contracts of varying sizes to offer.

In addition, the C's have their own restricted free agent, Glen Davis, to consider. The market for restricted free agents is historically slower to develop, with Davis' suitors reportedly including San Antonio, Memphis and Detroit.

The Celtics now are waiting to see what offers come in for Davis. General manager Danny Ainge has said repeatedly he wants the young power forward back.

In the meantime, Ainge has no regrets about how he handled the Hill negotiations. Unlike Rasheed Wallace, who was swayed by an all-out recruiting effort from the Celtics before agreeing to a deal, Hill showed no such desire for a big romance.

Ultimately, coach Doc Rivers, his neighbor in Winter Park, Fla., was the only member of the organization to have a face-to-face meeting with Hill. Ainge and Ray Allen, also a Babby client, both called.

``We would have done anything,'' Ainge said, referring back to the Wallace campaign. ``We would have thrown out the full red carpet treatment, but they indicated that wouldn't change their thoughts.

``I was hopeful, but Phoenix is a great organization, and they've had a great relationship with Grant. I talked to Grant once. I know he was seriously considering us, and it was a matter of what we meant to Grant. But he's comfortable in Phoenix. His family has settled in there.''

Added Babby: ``All three (teams) were very different and exciting opportunities. The nice part was that all three of the coaches (Rivers, the Suns' Alvin Gentry and the Knicks' Mike D'Antoni) were people he has played for.

``Everything swayed him. He was very impressed with New York, and he (talked) with Danny Ainge, Doc, Ray Allen and others, and that was also very impressive.''

Impressive doesn't always seal the deal.

- mrmurphy@bostonherald.com