NBA Free Agents 2015: Boston Celtics Reportedly Interested in Kevin Love, Greg Monroe
The Boston Celtics will have enough cap space to sign a superstar in the offseason and reports revealed that they are already keeping an eye on several players, including Kevin Love and Greg Monroe.
According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the Celtics could have as much as $25 million of cap space after the 2014-15 NBA season if they decide to part ways with Brandon Bass, Jonas Jerebko and Luigi Datome. The amount of cap space will be enough for them to offer a maximum deal to a marquee free agent.
Love, who is averaging 16.9 points and 10.2 rebounds for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, could become a free agent if he decides to opt out the final year of his contract. Kyler said that he will be the main target of the Celtics if the All-Star power forward decides to test the free-agency market.
However, Love, who was acquired by the Cavaliers in a blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves in August last year, told the Northeast Ohio Media Group in January that he is not planning to opt out. And even if he does, he will likely sign a new deal with the Cavaliers.
"I think that we will figure it out here, so I don't plan on opting out or any of that," Love said. "I plan on being here. As far as leaving my options open, I mean sure, it's always there. At the end of the day, it's always good to have something but no, I plan on being here."
With Love expressing commitment to the Cavaliers, Monroe will be the most realistic option for the Celtics.
Monroe, who is averaging 15.7 points and 10.5 rebounds for the Detroit Pistons, will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He was a restricted free agent last offseason, but he opted to accept a one-year qualifying offer to stay in Detroit, which gave him the opportunity to become an unrestricted free agent after the current season.
The 24-year-old has made it no secret last year that he wants out of Detroit, but it remains to be seen at this point whether or not he is now more interested in staying with the Pistons than moving elsewhere after the team traded Josh Smith earlier in the season.
Aside from Love and Monroe, Kyler also added that the Celtics might make a strong push to acquire Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol, San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard or Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler.
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