The Boston Celtics are making moves in free agency, just not the ones that the team was aiming for. Danny Ainge entered the offseason with a lofty wishlist that included marquee names like Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Monroe. While Monroe might still be an option, Love and Aldridge are not, forcing the Celtics to search elsewhere for talent. After making two contract moves on the first day of free agency, what is next for Boston?
According to Chris Forsberg of ESPN, the Celtics have re-sign Jae Crowder to the tune of five years and $35 million. Boston always wanted to keep the forward around. In terms on in-house free agents he was a priority from the start. Crowder's contract is good value for Boston as he continues to develop. Forsberg is also reporting the Celtics have inked Amir Johnson to a contract of two years and $24 million giving the frontcourt a nice boost. The former Toronto Raptor is now the highest-paid player for the Celtics alongside Gerald Wallace who could still be traded.
According to NESN.com, both Corey Brewer and Tobias Harris are no longer being targeting by the Celtics. The team has bowed out of those races simply because the competition to acquire them is high. Boston was really chasing Harris who is expected command a big contract, but that would require the Celtics to trade both Wallace and someone like Evan Turner which is easier said than done. As a result, the team is forced to move on from their pursuit of those contracts.
The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn is reporting that the Celtics are still eyeing Brandon Bass in a deal as he is an unrestricted free agent. He was a major contributor last season while his age should lower his asking price. The question is whether or not bringing Bass back is worth it after inking both Crowder and Johnson. The Celtics will likely target scoring over defense with the remainder of free agency.
CSN New England is reporting that the Celtics are not out of the running for Monroe, but a deal is unlikely. According to Bleacher Report, with most of the marquee free agents signed, Boston is once again acquiring trade chips to pair with their stashed stock of future first-round draft picks. The contracts of both Johnson and Jonas Jerebko are no guaranteed in the second year which means the Celtics could once again be active in talks. Ainge continues to stress that the roster is not complete, but he is running out of favorable options to fill the holes.
