Former Celtics forward Gigi Datome has agreed to a three-year deal worth approximately $6 million with the Turkish club, Fenerbahce.
The Italian sharpshooter became a fan favorite in Boston after being acquired as part of the February trade that sent Tayshaun Prince to the Pistons. He shot 47 percent from the 3-point line and 51 percent overall with the Celtics, averaging 5.2 points and 10.7 minutes per game.
Datome said that the Clippers, Wizards and Mavericks all expressed interest in signing him this offseason, but that none could offer a promise of playing time.
“I was looking for an opportunity to be in the rotation to be a backup, and all three of those teams were just looking to fill a spot on their roster,” Datome said by phone from Italy on Tuesday. “Nobody was guaranteeing me a spot in the rotation, and so I was looking for the best possibility for me.”
Datome said he was grateful that Celtics gave him a chance. After playing in just three of the first 51 games of the season with the Pistons, he appeared in 18 of 31 contests with the Celtics.
“I’m so happy about Boston,” Datome said. “Coach Stevens gave me the opportunity to show what I am capable of in the league. And I love the fans in Boston and I am gonna be a huge fan now of the Celtics.”
Datome, 27, said he is fully focused on Fenerbahce, which competes in the Euroleague, but that he might consider returning to the NBA before his third-year option kicks in.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens frequently praised Datome’s professionalism, and on Tuesday assistant coach Micah Shrewsberry echoed that sentiment.
“He always wanted the opportunity, but he never said anything about not playing,” Shrewsberry said. “But then when he did, he kind of maximized his potential, and I think that’s why the fans loved him so much — besides his hair and his beard.”
Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at adam.himmelsbach@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @adamhimmelsbach.