The Boston Celtics are planning to be extremely active in the upcoming offseason which could mean that everyone on the roster is available for the taking at the right price. The Celtics have assets, draft picks and salary cap space to really make something of their roster in 2015 and the team has been linked to several big moves with free agency just around the corner. However, not everyone is as available as originally assumed.
Boston traded for Isaiah Thomas in the middle of the season as Rajon Rondo went to the Dallas Mavericks. His future with Boston has never felt guaranteed considering the team drafted Marcus Smart with the intentions that he would take over the Rondo throne. Trade rumors surrounding Thomas began to surface as the offseason approached, but according to the Boston Globe, a trade for the point guard is not happening. Thomas denied the idea saying general manager Danny Ainge is consulting him on free agents the team should target.
"Danny said if there's any free agent out there I'm interested in, to let him know," Thomas said, via the Boston Globe. "That has me excited. For him to ask for my input means a lot, because it means I'm definitely, right now, a part of the future, and they also value your word and what you think about the game of basketball. It means a lot, and it's a mutual respect we have. Now, hopefully, we can get a few guys."
According to the Globe, Ainge sees Thomas as a valuable recruiter for the team and intends to keep him around. Thomas' name has been tossed around in trade deals for both Ty Lawson of the Denver Nuggets and DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings. According to the Denver Post, Lawson is available for the taking, but his price tag is unknown. The Kings have made it clear that Cousins is not an option for trades as the team intends to build around the center in 2015.
Thomas told the media that the Celtics will likely target a defensive-minded player which fits the free agency rumors that they are targeting everyone from DeAndre Jordan to Marc Gasol and Greg Monroe to help with defense. According to A.Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com, the Celtics are also eyeing a draft trade for Willie Cauley-Stein. Instead of offering Thomas, they could offer everyone from Jared Sullinger to Brandon Bass in potential deals.
