The Celtics have failed to land a major star via free agency thus far this offseason, but being free of burdensome contracts heading into the summer of 2016 will set the franchise up to be major players, Steve Bulpett of The Boston Herald writes. Salary cap experts are saying that Boston could potentially get themselves $39MM-$50MM under the cap if they play their cards properly, which means they could have the ability to sign two free agents to maximum contracts next offseason, Bulpett adds. The Boston Herald scribe also notes that it may be easier for the team to land two stars rather than one in the same offseason since players want to go where they have the opportunity to win, and signing as a duo would hold more potential appeal.
Here’s more from around the Atlantic Division:
- The Knicks are one of several teams to express interest in unrestricted free agent guard John Jenkins, Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com reports (Twitter link).
- Nets forward Cory Jefferson has been forced to cease Summer League play due to an ankle injury he has been struggling with, Shams Charania of RealGM relays (on Twitter). If Jefferson remains on Brooklyn’s roster past July 15th his contract for 2015/16 will become partially guaranteed for $150k, and this setback isn’t expected to affect Jefferson’s roster spot, Charania notes.
- If the Cavaliers and the Nets end up striking a deal to send Joe Johnson to Cleveland, there is a very good chance that the draft rights to Sasha Kaun head to Brooklyn in the transaction, Robert Windrem of NetsDaily tweets. The 30-year-old center has reportedly been a target of the Nets’ this offseason, though the talks between the two franchises appear to be stalled for the moment.
- As much as the Raptors may end up missing Lou Williams‘ offensive game, the team is glad to have rid itself of the distractions that the guard brought to the squad, Steve Simmons of The Toronto Sun writes. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year agreed to a three-year, $21MM arrangement with the Lakers, and if Nick Young isn’t traded, which the Lakers are reportedly exploring doing, it will certainly make for an entertaining locker room in Los Angeles in 2015/16.
That would be a great strategy by the C’s, but there aren’t a lot of top flight FA available at the Celtics’ positions of need. They’ll certainly offer a max deal to Kevin Durant (along with half the league), and they can still carry the young kids and Isaiah on the books. Who would be FA signing #2 on a max deal?
I’d wouldn’t say this was actually the Celtics’ plan…more like their “Plan B.” Ainge certainly wanted to use his cap room, but no top tier free agents were willing to bite. But Boston is certainly in a good spot heading into next summer. Even better if the team can sneak into the playoffs.
I think Boston’s best bet is to upgrade via trade rather than free agency. They have a ton of picks and other trade assets to dangle. They’ll be in the mix for any major trade candidate.
Please don’t post Steve Simmons articles. He’s a joke, and every Raptor fan knows he’s a joke. You should read his Kessel article from the day after they traded him.