The Boston Celtics want to be big spenders in free agency. They have salary cap space, draft picks and young assets to give up in order to add some star power to a roster that guy on youth last season. The Celtics are starting to really build something and the next two free agency stints should help complete the effort. After Kevin Love was reported as their top target, a Plan B will have to determined as the forward plans to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
According to ESPN, Love told media that he plans on being with the Cavaliers next season because he wants to win. Love has the chance to opt out of his contract with the team and hit free agency and many believe that is his overall plan. However, Love is making it clear that he favors staying in Cleveland over going elsewhere.
"It's just the way the world works now," Love said, via ESPN.com. "People talk so much and might tell themselves a lie so much they start to believe it. From there, the narrative starts to change. I haven't changed my narrative. I'm going to keep supporting these guys, and we'll be talking to Cleveland after the season."
If Love stays true to his word, the Celtics will be looking elsewhere for help at the forward position. The team has plenty of salary cap space they can make use of. According to the Boston Herald, LaMarcus Aldridge, Marc Gasol and Paul Millsap could turn out to be priorities for the team should Love not be an option. All three players are expected to command max contracts, but the Celtics can afford to bring one on.
There is also the question of whether or not they will target someone in the draft. According to A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com, the Celtics like the idea of trading up in the draft for either Willie Cauley-Stein or Justise Winslow to help give them size under the rim. In order to move up they will have to make trades on the current roster. Brandon Bass and Jared Sullinger could turn out to be the favorites to deal away if that means the Celtics are getting a younger option.
Boston is set at the point guard position. Marcus Smart and Isaiah Thomas are favored for the long-term. Now the team needs defensive help and a player that is a guaranteed rebounding threat. Once they acquire those things, the Celtics could really become a true threat.
