How each semi final team’s free agents can help define the OKC Thunder offseason
Boston Celtics:
Key free agents: Other free agents:
- Kyrie Irving (expected to opt out)
- Al Horford (expected to opt out)
Other free agents:
- Marcus Morris
- Aron Baynes (has a player option)
- Terry Rozier (restricted status)
- Daniel Theis (restricted status)
On the precipice of losing their semi finals series, the Celtics are one of the teams in a very precarious position. Boston finds themselves in a must win scenario which will require them winning three consecutive games in a row with two on the road.
Aside from Game 1, the Celtics haven’t been able to slow or stop superstar Giannis Antetokoumpo. Although Boston was inconsistent throughout the season the thoughts were this talent rich team was well suited for the playoff’s slower pace and would be more competitive. Their sweep of the Indiana Pacers bolstered that thought process.
However, facing what is likely to be the Most Valuable Player of the 2018-19 season the Celtics haven’t found an answer. Al Horford has done his best but the Bucks defense and the Greek Freak have simply overpowered the disjointed Celtics offense.
The reason how this series finishes for the Celtics has far reaching effects. Kyrie Irving has always stated he wanted to run his own team. He got his wish in Boston as the team’s leader of a squad loaded with talent. Al Horford is an All-Star but not considered a superstar.
The thinking is if the Celtics don’t progress to at least the Eastern Conference Finals it will put pressure on the Celtics to retain Irving.
The rumor mill has been in overdrive that Irving and Kevin Durant are destined to pair up and join one of the New York teams (Knicks being the most likely, but not necessarily the wiser choice of the two since the Nets have more preexisting talent).
No doubt Boston GM Danny Ainge will be making copious calls to new Pelicans GM David Griffin. It’s no secret Ainge has long coveted Anthony Davis and been stockpiling assets and picks with the goal of bringing AD to Boston. This trade would cost Ainge assets and draft picks but of all the teams in the Association the Celtics combination of assets and picks is unparalleled.
Landing Anthony Davis could serve as the nectar required to retain Irving and in all likelihood may remove some of the younger assets who haven’t gelled with Irving.
Al Horford is the other key Celtics free agent. Given Horford’s defensive prowess, ability to play and defend multiple positions as well as his leadership and steadying force on the team he brings values which the stat sheet doesn’t accurately reflect.
In terms of how this might affect the OKC Thunder, it’s not a direct correlation. Sam Presti isn’t likely to want to invest in the trenches with Danny Ainge to try to work a trade given Ainge’s history of winning those deals. And, even if the Thunder salary situation allowed the pursuit of Irving he wouldn’t be the best player for the Thunder to consider.
Horford is intriguing, but let’s remember Presti had his sights set on Horford the year he signed with Boston. If Horford wasn’t willing to come to OKC with Durant still on the roster the odds are he won’t be moved to join now.
As for the four other free agents although they each offer specific qualities they also don’t provide a perfect fit in the current Thunder roster compilation.