Bill Russell leaving behind memorabilia for next owner of his home

BOSTON - APRIL 13: Bill Russell of the 1957 Boston Celtics receives an honorary banner during the ceremony honoring the 50th anniversary of the 1957 NBA Champion Boston Celtics between the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks on April 13, 2007 at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE
Jesse D. Garrabrant / National Basketball Association / Getty

Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell is bidding farewell to his longtime home on Washington's Mercer Island and will be leaving something special for whoever buys the house.

"I have left behind my trophy case and an autographed ball for the next owner, and I hope they enjoy the home as much as I have over the last almost 50 years," Russell told Patti Payne of the Puget Sound Business Journal.

The 4,250-square-foot home is listed for $2.6 million and features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a large hot tub that Russell said he'll miss "most of all." He purchased the house after being hired as head coach of the Seattle SuperSonics in 1973.

Russell announced in July that he will be putting hundreds of items from his personal collection up for auction in the fall or winter, including his 1957 and 1969 NBA championship rings and his 1956 United States men's basketball Olympic gold medal.

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