The Boston Celtics are still very much in the thick of this year’s playoffs, and could even reach their first Eastern Conference finals in six years, if they continue their strong play against the Washington Wizards. However, Danny Ainge can make his team more formidable next season with the Cap Space and trade assets he has in his arsenal.
Blake Griffin free-agency coup
Boston proved last summer that it is still a destination for marquee free-agents after landing All-Star power forward Al Horford. The former Florida Gators standout was one of the reasons why the Celtics registered 53 wins this season and remained in the hunt for title no.18.
But no matter what happens in the Celtics’ current playoff campaign, this team is assured of the cap flexibility to chase another max-level free-agent this coming summer.
Projected to have starting cap space of $15.5 million, the figure could balloon to $30MM, if they don’t exercise team options on the non-guaranteed deals of Kelly Olynyk ($4.3MM) and Tyler Zeller ($8MM). All of a sudden, the Celtics are more than capable of signing a bona fide superstar who commands a $25 million per year base salary.
Arthur Hill of Hoops Rumors knows a particular superstar that suffices the Celtics’ need for firepower. Griffin, who averaged 21.6 points and 8.1 rebounds in his career, could take Boston’s frontline to another level with his inside scoring and rebounding ability.
Moreover, there are already whispers that the All-Star is already looking for a new home elsewhere after another injury-marred season with the Los Angeles Clippers.
“Boston has the cap space to make a max offer to Griffin and the assets to swing a deal. The Celtics have a wealth of future draft choices, including the potential No.1 pick this year and the Nets’ unprotected first-rounder next season.
Even though Boston was the top seed in the East, the front office is searching for star players to build around,” Hill writers.
Paul George trade bonanza
Shrewd business transactions executed by Ainge the past 3 to 4 years have put the Celtics in a very promising position. Not only this team will have the cap space to chase marquee names, the Celtics also possess the assets in the forms of draft picks and young players to hammer a blockbuster trade this offseason.
Sherrod Blakely of Comcast Sportsnet believes Boston now has a better chance of landing All-Star swingman Paul George now that Larry Bird stepped down as the president of basketball operations for the Indiana Pacers. Bird had been blocking every trade offers for George and now that he’s no longer the top decision-maker in that front-office, the Pacers may have no choice but to deal their franchise player in exchange for assets.
While the Los Angeles Lakers have also expressed interest in the L.A-native, Boston obviously has the better trade package with the no.1 pick (via Brooklyn Nets) in this year’s draft potentially in play.
