Kevin Durant is the Boston Celtics’ No. 1 target this offseason, but he can only sign with one team. Over 100 NBA free agents became available at 12:01 ET on Friday, so teams naturally have a multitude of backup options.
Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford seemingly is the consensus No. 2 option across the board, and the Celtics reportedly are one of several teams who will court him when he hits the market — especially because Durant reportedly would like to play with him.
The C’s reportedly have been interested in the big man for several months. They didn’t want to give up core assets to acquire him last February at the NBA trade deadline, though, especially considering his impending free agency, according to The Boston Herald‘s Steve Bulpett.
But with Horford readily available, Boston will push full steam to bring the 7-footer to TD Garden next season, with one league executive telling Bulpett they are certain the Celtics will offer Horford a four-year maximum contract.
Should Boston miss out, though, there seems to be at least a few plans to bring in another center.
From The Herald:
“But if Horford cannot be secured as a free agent, expect the C’s to look into the likes of Cleveland’s Timofey Mozgov and Indiana’s Ian Mahinmi.
Because of this free agent uncertainty, sources close to (Amir) Johnson and (Jonas) Jerebko are saying they’ve been advised that the decision on whether to pick up one or both of their options could well come down to the final hours.
Johnson is slated to make $12 million next season, and Jerebko is down for $5 million, but the Celts can opt out of those deals by serving notice by midnight Sunday (July 3rd).”
Bulpett later adds that if Boston does land one or more frontcourt players, they likely would decline both Johnson and Jerebko’s offers in order to leave roster spots open for younger players.
Mozgov is a great rim protector who’s still young and isn’t a complete loss on offense. When the Cavaliers acquired him in January 2015, his interior defense immediately sparked a run that led to two consecutive NBA Finals appearances and one championship. Mahinimi is a veteran rim protector who should, in theory, come at an even lower cost.
But make no mistake: It’s Durant and Horford, first and foremost, on Boston’s list. Just like everyone else’s.
Click to read more from The Boston Herald >>
Thumbnail photo via David Richard/USA TODAY Sports Images
