We're still not entirely sure whether the Celtics will look to re-sign most of their own free agents this summer or whether more significant changes are in store, but Sam Smith of Bulls.com suggests one potential target for Boston. According to Smith, the Celtics are considering making a "strong offer" to restricted free agent Omer Asik.
Asik, who turns 26 in July, saw limited time this season with the Bulls, averaging 3.1 points and 3.4 rebounds in 14.7 minutes per game. He is considered a strong defender and is one of the younger big men who will hit free agency this offseason. Because Asik will be a restricted free agent, the Bulls will have the chance to match any offer sheet the former second-round pick signs.
Whether or not they bring back Kevin Garnett for another year or two, the Celtics figure to pursue big men this offseason, having struggled on the boards recently. Jermaine O'Neal and Chris Wilcox both saw their seasons cut short early, and will also be free agents this summer, so Boston is expected to explore the market. When I previewed the Celts' offseason, I suggested Chris Kaman could be a fit, but Asik would be a younger, cheaper alternative.
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Bulls have said they will match any offer that Asik gets, and with the new Gilbert Arenas provision, Asik can only make up to ~$5,000,000 per year.
A max deal for Asik would actually greatly exceed $5MM/year (it would start at $5MM in the first year, then take a huge jump in year three), but I doubt he gets that big an offer anyway.
— Luke
As a Bulls fan I’d be fine with Asik leaving for big money. I know he is young and big but he has no offensive skills and the Bulls can’t afford the luxury of more “no offense- great defense” big guys, with money already locked up in Joakim Noah and eventually Taj Gibson.
Boston seems to fair well with big goofy white guys anyways!
I’d rather see them offer a deal to Hawes if that’s the case.
S & T Garnett for Asik………..As a bulls fan i can ony dream