Maybe it's time we took the next step.

[cman88]

I think what SHOULD be appealing to free agents about the celtics is that if you are a star, they already have the supporting cast in place and are already a top 3 team in the east. adding a star like durant could push them over the hump

its really impressive how far this team has come in just a couple of years removed from all out tanking....and alot of it due to the rise of players no one else wanted or were an afterthought like Jae Crowder, isaiah thomas and evan turner

[Evantime34]

We have been trying to take the next step with a big splashy acquisition for a while and we will continue to do so.

The difference is, if we can make a run in the playoffs I think we might actually have a chance of making something happen this summer.

[CFAN38]

I really can't see durant being in play for the Cs. With that said I am gaining optomism in the Celtics ability to attract FA. The fact that Monroe passes on other teams to play for the Bucks this offseason shows that players views on FA maybe changing the the legacy and current play of the Cs may be perfectly timed to capatalise on this.

[LarBrd33]

This offseason has a chance to be epic.  I've long been a believer in the Celtics ability to land top free agents.  Up until recently, we never had cap space.  If you are a prospective free agent star and looking for a new team, you absolutely need to take a meeting with the Celtics.  They have basically everything a free agent should be looking for.

- one of the 3 largest fan bases nationally/fairly large market/East coast ... meaning no shortage of endorsement opportunities.

- Elite ownership

- elite management

- elite coaching

- top 10 team already

- 1 all-star already on the team

- Young team you can grow with

- cap space for two max deals = bring a buddy

- don't have to see golden state until the finals

- prestige franchise

- tons of middling assets that can be used for additional upgrades

What I'm saying is, beyond "It's cold" (overrated) or "they don't already have a superstar", I can't think of any reasons a free agent wouldn't consider us.

Get excited about this, people.  We have room for two max deals.  This is a big deal.  I'm a pretty big pessimist and I can't deny it.   The Pats and Sox don't have trouble luring top names... The Celtics shouldn't have trouble either.   

To me, Durant to Boston seems more real than Ben Simmons to Boston.

[biggs]

I'm not sure sneaking out a win against the Knicks suddenly make us a good option for Durant.

I feel like IT, Crowder, Olynyk and Sully are our core players moving forward, and Durant would fit in nicely with that group, however, I'm not sure that group is any better than what he already has in OKC.

Also, he can make more money by following the LeBron route by signing a one year deal until the cap expands, so OKC makes sense for him for at least another year. Plus- him signing a one year deal with them aligns his free agency with Wetbrook's in 2017.

If Durant does leave this summer, he will be leaving a lot of money on the table, and with his injury history he would be wise to think about his future. (Cough, cough, Boston's medical staff) 

If he is hell bent on the one year deal option, then we should offer him just that at the max.  That would give him flexibility and the option to make more money if he then chooses to re-sign with us.

Ultimately, it depends on what Kevin wants for Kevin.  If he wants to go home- it's the Wizards.  Automatic ring? GSW. The most money? Stay put.

However, if he would like to achieve league parity, play for a great coach and with great teamates, and have a chance to be one of the greatest players on the most storied franchise in the league....he should come to Boston.

But not because we beat the Knicks 

[Evantime34]

I really can't see durant being in play for the Cs. With that said I am gaining optomism in the Celtics ability to attract FA. The fact that Monroe passes on other teams to play for the Bucks this offseason shows that players views on FA maybe changing the the legacy and current play of the Cs may be perfectly timed to capatalise on this.

My argument for Durant being in play is that it has been reported that Horford is on Durant's shortlist of guys he wants to play with. I believe we have a real shot at Horford, which I think will lead to us getting a meeting with Durant.

I still think he takes a one year deal to go back to OKC and then signs a 5 year deal when the cap rises the year after. If he does leave though, I think Boston is probably the second best option behind GSW.

[LarBrd33]

I really can't see durant being in play for the Cs. With that said I am gaining optomism in the Celtics ability to attract FA. The fact that Monroe passes on other teams to play for the Bucks this offseason shows that players views on FA maybe changing the the legacy and current play of the Cs may be perfectly timed to capatalise on this.

My argument for Durant being in play is that it has been reported that Horford is on Durant's shortlist of guys he wants to play with. I believe we have a real shot at Horford, which I think will lead to us getting a meeting with Durant.

I still think he takes a one year deal to go back to OKC and then signs a 5 year deal when the cap rises the year after. If he does leave though, I think Boston is probably the second best option behind GSW.

If I'm Durant, I'd consider Boston over GSW.   Nobody has any love for Oklahoma City after they robbed the Seattle of their team.  Everyone outside of OKC will celebrate Durant jumping ship.  The only move he could make to damage his rep would be barnacling onto the Warriors Juggernaut.  That would be seen as anti-competitive and shameful.  Everything they said about LeBron joining Miami that didn't come true (joining "Wade's team" and riding Wade to a title) would accurately apply to Durant if he decided to be 2nd banana to Steph Curry.   Far better to form a contender in the East, play LeBron 4 times per year in nationally televised games (pre-playoffs), and try to beat the Warriors in the Finals. 

[mctyson]

I have a hard time seeing Durant leaving this offseason.  If he did, I wouldn't compare him leaving OKC to Lebron leaving Cleveland, more like Aldridge leaving Portland. 

GSW getting him could be devastating to the league, but GSW also doesn't need Durant.  They are historically good without him.  Durant would just look like a really, really good sidekick on a Championship roster.

Durant and Westbrook together are near championship talent.  If GSW and San Antonio didn't exist, they would be favorites.  Why would you leave a situation like that?  He only leaves if Westbrook goes.  That's not happening this year.  Unless......

A SUPER RISKY/SNEAKY move would be Ainge throwing the Kitchen Sink at OKC for Westbrook in the summer, prior to KD signing.  Not that I would favor this, but something like all the Brooklyn Picks, the Mavs pick, and Marcus Smart...that gets OKC thinking right?

You get Westbroook here with an extension and KD would follow right along.  How does a lineup with IT, Westbrook, KD, Crowder, and Olynyk look offensively?  That team can compete with GSW.

[SparzWizard]

But Durant could also be thinking of going to the Lakers, and Westbrook will just automatically follow him there.

Ainge will have to step up on his game to prevent Durant from going to LA, and instead come to Boston.

[Rondo9]

But Durant could also be thinking of going to the Lakers, and Westbrook will just automatically follow him there.

Ainge will have to step up on his game to prevent Durant from going to LA, and instead come to Boston.

The Lakers are very bad this year, what makes you think Druant wants join them?

[SparzWizard]

But Durant could also be thinking of going to the Lakers, and Westbrook will just automatically follow him there.

Ainge will have to step up on his game to prevent Durant from going to LA, and instead come to Boston.

The Lakers are very bad this year, what makes you think Druant wants join them?

The fans, Hollywood, weather, and of course they have D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson. They just need at least one superstar and a coach and they would be back to contention.

[Rondo9]

But Durant could also be thinking of going to the Lakers, and Westbrook will just automatically follow him there.

Ainge will have to step up on his game to prevent Durant from going to LA, and instead come to Boston.

The Lakers are very bad this year, what makes you think Druant wants join them?

The fans, Hollywood, weather, and of course they have D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson. They just need at least one superstar and a coach and they would be back to contention.

How come this didn't work on someone like Aldridge last year? I think players want to win now.

[mctyson]

But Durant could also be thinking of going to the Lakers, and Westbrook will just automatically follow him there.

Ainge will have to step up on his game to prevent Durant from going to LA, and instead come to Boston.

The Lakers are very bad this year, what makes you think Druant wants join them?

The fans, Hollywood, weather, and of course they have D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson. They just need at least one superstar and a coach and they would be back to contention.

OKC is already in contention.  Why would Durant/Westbrook leave to risk that?

[mctyson]

But Durant could also be thinking of going to the Lakers, and Westbrook will just automatically follow him there.

Ainge will have to step up on his game to prevent Durant from going to LA, and instead come to Boston.

The Lakers are very bad this year, what makes you think Druant wants join them?

The fans, Hollywood, weather, and of course they have D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson. They just need at least one superstar and a coach and they would be back to contention.

How come this didn't work on someone like Aldridge last year? I think players now want to win now.

Exactly...and Aldridge didn't really want to leave Portland.  He just had a perfect opportunity/fit with the Spurs and they are the best franchise over the past 20 years.

[fubar089]

I want Jimmy Butler in Boston.