Danny Ainge predicted the Boston Celtics would have a very busy offseason as the team continues to try and rebuild the franchise. After the late-success of the team this year, Ainge is confident that Boston will be a desired location for free agents this summer, but the team is also eyeing several trade options for upgrades entering the 2015-16 season.
According to Grantland's Zach Lowe, the Boston Celtics are eyeing Ty Lawson of the Denver Nuggets and would be willing to offer up Thomas in a trade deal. Lowe reports that while Lawson had a bumpy season off the court, many teams view him as a favorable target for the go-to point guard position. He believes that just because Thomas had a nice season with the Celtics, it does not rule them out from seeking a deal for Lawson.
Boston is eyeing Lawson because of his team-friendly contract that will pay him $26 million over the next two seasons. There is a lot of interest in him from various teams. According to Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post, it is widely believed that Lawson is on his way out in Denver whether it be to Boston or somewhere else looking for a point guard.
MassLive.com reports that while Thomas saw success with head coach Brad Stevens, the Celtics organization is more committed to Marcus Smart and developing the former first-round star. They believe that Lawson has the right skill set to compliment the rookie considering his pace of play and ability to make plays in space. While Boston might be comfortable holding on to Thomas, they are expected to at least call about a deal for Lawsom.
The Celtics have been linked to a number of trades this offseason and the playoffs are not even over yet. According to the Boston Herald, the Celtics are eyeing a trade deal for DeMarcus Cousins. Boston is trying to figure out how to get rid of players like Gerald Wallace and Jared Sullinger. Cousins is an intended target as he would immediately give Boston a threat under the basket. The Celtics have also been stockpiling draft picks over the past two years and could easily get a deal done quickly.
Boston is also linked in the Kevin Love rumors. According to ESPN.com, the Celtics are closing in on frontrunners like the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers to chase the forward. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers have a legit fear that Love will exit in free agency. If the Celtics come with a nice contract offer, that could be the case.