The Boston Celtics did not get the upgrades they wanted in the NBA Draft. General manager Danny Ainge told the media that the team attempted several trade deals in the draft and all went unnoticed leaving them to draft at their originally assigned spots. After leaving disappointed, the team will now set their sights on free agency which could open up more trade deals for the franchise.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, the Celtics attempted to trade Jared Sullinger in a deal to the New York Knicks proving they are willing to move the young big man. Right now there is a run on size in the NBA and several teams could be eyeing Sullinger in a deal. Roy Hibbert is a player expected to hit the market according to the Indianapolis Star. The Pacers are aiming to build around Paul George in the upcoming season and see Hibbert as a hindrance to that effort. Hibbert fits the defensive need of Boston if they can get a deal done with Sullinger.
Ainge says the focus is now on free agency and several players are on the list for the team. According to the Boston Herald, the Celtics are losing pace in the race for Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge. That leaves Boston to target players like Greg Monroe who has several interviews lined up once free agency begins on July 1. Marc Gasol and DeAndre Jordan will also be targets first.
The Celtics need defense. They believe they have their franchise point guard in Marcus Smart and now the task is to find the elite big man after failing to acquire one in the NBA Draft. The issue is Celtics could be outbid for players while their roster might not be as enticing as they believe it is. Trades might be the best option. Evan Turner can be available while the Celtics still have the rights to Brandon Bass they can deal away if need be. The issue is finding buyers. With the Lakers, Knicks and Mavericks all pursing the same free agents as Boston, the team is at risk of coming up short much like they did in the NBA Draft.
