The Boston Celtics apparently are big fans of Kosta Koufos.
ESPN.com’s Marc Stein reported Monday that the Memphis Grizzlies center was a trade target of Danny Ainge’s this past season. The Grizzlies, however, “rebuffed numerous trade proposals for Koufos during the season from the likes of Cleveland and Boston,” per Stein.
Koufos isn’t exactly a household name, but he’s impressed in a reserve role in his two seasons in Memphis. Stein, who called the 26-year-old impending free agent “an elite-yet-underpublicized rim protector,” believes Koufos’ strong showing in this year’s NBA playoffs could earn him a bump in both playing time and salary this summer.
The Grizzlies fell to the Golden State Warriors in six games in the Western Conference semifinals.
“It’s no secret within team circles that Koufos, while appreciative of the various tricks he’s gleaned as the understudy to (Marc) Gasol and (Zach Randolph), wants to be an NBA starter,” Stein wrote. “If that opportunity presents itself elsewhere, on top of a healthy raise from Koufos’ $3 million salary last season, well, you can do the math.”
The Celtics did swing a deal with the Grizzlies this season, sending forward Jeff Green to Memphis and landing Tayshaun Prince in return, and given Stein’s latest report, one would assume Koufos’ name came up in those negotiations.
Boston’s need for a rim protector and reported willingness to overpay for second-tier free agents could make the 7-footer an attractive option this offseason, as well.
Thumbnail photo via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports Images
