Atlantic Notes: Celtics, Nets, Joseph, Knicks

The latest piece from TNT’s David Aldridge of NBA.com is ostensibly about the Celtics/Wizards series, but the story also looks ahead to the coming offseason, particularly with respect to Boston’s plans. According to Aldridge, many people around the NBA believe that Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge was – and still is – “determined” to keep the Nets‘ 2017 first-round pick, which could give him the opportunity to draft a top point guard prospect.

We’ll see if Ainge remains as determined to keep that pick if it doesn’t land in the top two, or if it becomes trade bait at that point. But drafting Markelle Fultz or Lonzo Ball would give the Celtics a strong insurance policy in the event that the team wavers on committing to Isaiah Thomas for the long term.

Let’s round up a few more items from around the Atlantic…

• In a recent story for ESPN.com, Zach Lowe mentioned in passing that he expects the Nets to go after veterans in free agency this offseason. Anthony Puccio of Nets Daily takes a closer look at what that might mean for Brooklyn.
• Although Cory Joseph would prefer to see Kyle Lowry remain in a Raptors uniform next season, he said on Monday that he’s ready to step up and take on a larger role should Lowry sign elsewhere, writes Ryan Wolstat of The Toronto Sun.
• The Sixers have frequently been mentioned as a probable suitor for Lowry in free agency, but Marcus Hayes of The Philadelphia Daily News makes the case for why a homecoming for the veteran point guard doesn’t make a ton of sense for either the player or the team.
• Bobby Marks of The Vertical previews the upcoming offseason for the Knicks, observing that resolving the Carmelo Anthony situation will be the top priority for the franchise.