BOSTON (CBS) – Center Greg Stiemsma is grateful for the Boston Celtics giving him a chance last season, but is moving on to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“I”m very grateful to the Celtics and the City of Boston, but I’m very excited to be the newest member of the Minnesota Timberwolves!” Stiemsma Tweeted Tuesday morning.

Stiemsma, who the Celtics signed shortly after the lockout ended last winter, will get a multi-year contract from the Wolves and will see a significant raise after a solid rookie campaign in 2012. He could earn up to $3 million for the upcoming season.

After being named the 2010 NBADL defensive player of the year, Stiemsma played 55 regular season games for the Celtics averaging 2.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and a team-leading 1.5 blocks per game.

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The Celtics would not have been able to match Minnesota’s offer to Stiemsma, and withdrew their qualifying offer to him the other day.

In Minnesota, Stiemsma will likely see more action and could even start.

Anticipating Stiemsma’s departure, the Celtics reportedly signed center Jason Collins over the weekend.