Boston Celtics rumors reveal a big wish list in the NBA offseason. The Celtics want to sign Kevin Love, Robin Lopez, and Paul Pierce when the NBA free agency period opens. A report from CBS Sports now confirms that the Celtics are going to try to lure all three free agents to Boston in July. Doing so without giving up any of the assets on the current roster might just make the team a true contender in the Eastern Conference again.
These Celtics rumors were predicated on the fact that Kevin Love would need to opt out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. A report from ESPN.com on Thursday (June 25) confirms that Love has just done that, making him a free agent that can sign with any franchise. Robin Lopez is done with his contract for the Portland Trail Blazers, and Paul Pierce will be a free agent after playing for the Washington Wizards in the 2014-15 NBA season. It means all three players could choose to sign with Boston.
The Celtics have about $40.4 million in salary to pay out in the 2015-16 NBA season. It means the team would have to do some maneuvering to afford all three free agents. Team president Danny Ainge could look to make several trades in order to deal away players like Gerald Wallace, while still retaining a core of young and talented players. The Boston Celtics have Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart, Evan Turner, Kelly Olynyk, Jared Sullinger, and Tyler Zeller on favorable deals. Previous Celtics rumors have indicated that the team would be willing to trade Smart and/or Zeller, though.
As previously reported on the Inquisitr , there are a number of other teams that want to sign Kevin Love, including the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks. Even the Cleveland Cavaliers are going to make a big pitch to convince him to sign a new deal with them. As free agency opens, the Celtics are also expected to make the calls, but not just to Love. The team also envisions Robin Lopez being a good starting center, and Paul Pierce returning as a role player and leader that has had success in the postseason before.
Following the 2015 NBA Draft, there is certainly going to be a lot of excitement out there for fans of the Celtics. Expect many additional Boston Celtics rumors to surface, especially if Love, Lopez, or Pierce indicate interest in heading to the team in free agency. Danny Ainge appears ready to spend the money to make his team a real challenge in the East again.
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