BOSTON — Let’s face it: Since the Big Three disbanded nearly three seasons ago, the Celtics haven’t exactly been the most desirable free agent destination.
Boston lost 57 games in 2013-14, and while head coach Brad Stevens has accelerated the rebuild process since then, the scrappy C’s still haven’t been able to lure a big-name star to the Northeast.
But will this be the summer when that all changes?
Plenty of solid free agents will be on the market this offseason, but the grand prize is Kevin Durant, whose contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder expires after the season. Durant’s name has been connected with a number of teams, including his hometown Washington Wizards and the reigning NBA champion Golden State Warriors, so why would he choose Boston?
For starters, consider this scenario: At the NBA’s draft lottery on May 17, the Celtics finally get lucky when the Brooklyn Nets’ first-round pick, owned by Boston because of the Kevin Garnett-Paul Pierce trade, lands at No. 1 overall. After a surprise but not unfathomable playoff run, the C’s enter the Eastern Conference finals armed with the top pick in the 2016 NBA draft.
A lot would have to go right for that scenario to play out, but the fact that it’s even possible is a testament to how well the Celtics are positioned, both for the present and the future. The C’s are loaded with future draft picks, have a young, talented roster led by All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas and boast one of the brightest head coaches in the league in Brad Stevens. That’s an enticing combination for any free agent, especially a player like Durant, who is chasing a championship.
The seven-time All-Star, of course, would command a hefty salary, and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge likely would have to blow up the current roster to accommodate him. But the C’s already unloaded David Lee and his contract at the NBA trade deadline, and a potential league-wide salary cap increase this offseason could give Ainge the room he needs to haul in Durant.
In the end, though, the Celtics likely aren’t at the top of KD’s list — it’s hard to imagine him turning the Warriors down for Boston. But the 27-year-old did his part to stir the pot Wednesday by praising Boston for its “family atmosphere,” so he clearly doesn’t hate the place.
In short: The possibility of Durant wearing Celtics green next season are about as slim as the team striking it rich in the draft lottery, if not slimmer. But they’re definitely not zero, so for now, the dream remains alive.
Thumbnail photo via Benny Sieu/USA TODAY Sports Images
