The good news for the fans and the team, Ainge could have over $30 million to work with when free agency begins next month. With that amount of money under the salary cap, this team is set to make some big moves this off season and that should create some buzz in bean town.
Reports have Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris looking for a big contract this summer and with the need for more scoring and depth in their front court, the Celtics could make an offer the youngster can’t refuse.
The 22-year-old was drafted by Milwaukee in 2011, but it wasn’t until the former Tennessee star was traded to Orlando that the youngsters game took off. In his two plus years with the Magic, Harris averaged over 16 points and seven rebounds per game and with his best years still to come, he could be the signing Boston needs to catapult into the top-4 of the Eastern Conference.
Another reason NBA experts are predicting big things in Boston is the amount of draft choices this franchise owns over the next three years. If Ainge can’t get the player he wants in free agency, using those picks in a trade is another option.
Rumors have already surfaced on a possible trade to land Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins and with the Kings looking to add more talent, sending their best player east for several draft choices could help them rebuild in a quicker fashion.
Several franchises need to gamble a bit this summer as it’s getting tougher to become an elite squad in the league. Boston has everything they need at their disposal to make things happen and if Ainge can get the players he wants, look for Boston to make that jump into elite status, a move that’s could for the city and the game of basketball.
