Bill Russell to auction off championship rings, other memorabilia

Some of Bill Russell's most prized NBA memorabilia will be hitting the auction block.

The Hall of Famer announced Thursday that he's partnering with Hunt Auctions to auction off items from his personal collection. The list includes the 1957 and 1969 NBA championship rings he won with the Boston Celtics, four of his NBA MVP trophies, and his 1956 United States men's basketball Olympic gold medal, according to The Associated Press.

"I've decided to sell most of my collection," Russell said in a video statement. "There are a few pictures I'll keep for myself, but the rest I will share with the world."

One item Russell will also be keeping is the Presidential Medal of Freedom that Barack Obama awarded him in 2011, Hunt Auctions president Dave Hunt told The Associated Press.

The auction is scheduled to be held in Boston this fall or winter. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Russell's charity, Mentor, which aims to strengthen mentoring relationships.