NBA Free Agency Atlantic Division Primer – The Eastern Powerhouse
Boston Celtics
Situation Entering Offseason:
Everything Celtics related focuses on the rumors Kyrie Irving is ghosting the Celtics. Well, all except Danny Ainge who insists everything is fine. I think we all know that’s far from the truth. Al Horford‘s team made it clear the Celtics and their most reliable defensive (glue) guy aren’t on the same page.
Factor in the befuddling move to trade Aron Baynes. Sure, Baynes isn’t the main guy on the roster, but he offers grit and consistency the Celtics simply don’t have currently to replace him.
Numerous teams and agents believe Al Horford has a four-year offer awaiting him in free agency worth an estimated $112 million. Sources with knowledge of the Mavericks’ thinking continue to insist that such a deal will NOT be coming from Dallas. Free agency starts in eight days
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 21, 2019
All this adds up losses at the two ends of the spectrum in the lineup. And, while the Celtics have youth in place most of their quality lies in the wing position.
Boston has ample assets in place but what of Terry Rozier‘s end of season press tour where he boldly stated he isn’t willing to take a back seat to the stars any longer. Part of that issue won’t matter if Irving bolts as expected. But, now there are rumors Ainge will recruit Kemba Walker. That move might work as a logical fit given Walker brings more to the floor than Isaiah Thomas who excelled under Brad Stevens.
Salary:
Cap Space: $ (60,736,998.00)
Floor Space: $ (21,192,788.00)
Max Space: $ 38,850,344.00
Projected Space: $ 34,079,178.00
*as per Keith Smith of Real GM
Key free agents to re-sign:
Although Irving is the Celtic’s main man it sure looks like he’ll bolt regardless of Ainge’s pitch. Worse for the C’s is Irving’s desired destination (if we believe the rumors) is one of the New York squads with the Nets seemingly at the forefront. That’s why it’s surprising to hear the Celtics weren’t quick to make sure Al Horford was comfortable and do everything in their power to keep him happy.
Ultimately, Brad Stevens could deal with getting his youngsters (Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier) to offset the offensive loss of Irving. But, the loss of Horford would affect their defense which is a scary proposition. Rumors suggest Horford has both the Mavericks and Pelicans interested in recruiting him to add the defensive presence needed, but there is uncertainty which team will be willing to give him the four years in the range of $112 million.
Plus, how happy will Rozier be if Ainge signs Kemba Walker? It sure seems like the turmoil of 2018-19 might experience a carry over effect. Adding pressure to the situation is next summer Ainge will need to deal with Gordon Hayward and Jaylen Brown — both keys to the team’s core.
Boston's cap-room situation is a fluid one but the Celtics, as Danny Ainge has acknowledged, are weighing their various needs as we speak in both the backcourt (with Kyrie Irving -- and possibly Terry Rozier -- leaving) and frontcourt (with Al Horford exiting)
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 25, 2019
2019 Roster Depth:
- Jaylen Brown
- Gordon Hayward
- Semi Ojeleye
- Marcus Smart
- Jayson Tatum
- Robert Williams III
- Guerschon Yabusele
Draft Picks:
- Romeo Langford
- Grant Williams
- Carsen Edwards
- Tremont Waters
Trades:
- Aron Baynes traded to Suns to clear cap space and obtain a draft pick.
2019 free agents
- Al Horford (opting out)
- Kyrie Irving (opting out)
- Marcus Morris
- Terry Rozier (Restricted)
- Daniel Theis (Restricted)
- Brad Wanamaker (Restricted)
- PJ Dozier (Restricted)
- RJ Hunter
- Jonathan Gibson (Restricted)
2020 free agents
- Jaylen Brown (Restricted)
- Gordon Hayward (Player)