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If dreams really do come true, the Boston Celtics could find themselves landing one of these stars when 2017 NBA free agency gets under way.
Every offseason, there's a lot of speculation that occurs regarding superstars on the verge of free agency. Although nothing comes of most it, that doesn't mean it isn't tempting to imagine some of the NBA's biggest names taking their talents elsewhere.
In the case of the Boston Celtics, there are several top talents who could theoretically don the green and white when the 2017-18 season rolls around. At this moment, those potential signings are nothing more than pipe dreams. Who said dreams can't come true, though?
That's why we're here today–to look at a few dream scenarios for the Celtics during 2017 NBA free agency. With a decent amount of money to spend and plenty to offer potential free agents, it's easy to understand how Boston would be a premier destination.
As we all know, though, nothing is guaranteed in today's NBA.
It doesn't help that most potential free agents have player options. Even if they do choose to decline them, it could simply be a way to facilitating a new deal with their current team that coincides with the rising salary cap.
Still, it doesn't hurt to take a peak at the possibilities. Hence, the following look at five dream targets for the Celtics during 2017 NBA free agency. I wouldn't get my hopes too high that any of these signings going down, but crazier things have happened in this league.
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Greg Monroe, C, Milwaukee Bucks
At this moment, the Celtics need a true starter at center. Al Horford is currently filling the role while Amir Johnson is still settled in at power forward, but Boston could use a more traditional big man filling the role in the near future.
Unfortunately, there aren't exactly an abundance of 2017 free agent options scheduled to be available. The top two candidates are Greg Monroe and Nerlens Noel. However, Noel stands a good chance of re-signing with the Dallas Mavericks.
As for Monroe, the odds are stacked towards him hitting the open market after two tough years in Milwaukee.
So Monroe it is. While he hasn't been a great fit with the Bucks, it's clear he's still one of the better centers in the NBA. And yet, Milwaukee hasn't allowed him a single start this season while allowing John Henson and Thon Maker to split that duty.
Despite that, he's averaging 11.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 22.2 minutes per game.
Chances are Monroe will decline his player option, with the hope he can land a long-term deal with a center-needy team. The Celtics fit the bill, and should have the cap space to give him the starting role he deserves.
Danilo Gallinari, SF, Denver Nuggets
This offseason, the Celtics would be wise to find some better scoring potential on the wing. Jae Crowder is an exceptional all-around talent and Jaylen Brown has a bright future. However, shooting needs to be a focus when free agency begins.
Hence, the inclusion of Danilo Gallinari. His true shooting percentage has been sensational this year, right up there with some of the best sharpshooters in the NBA.
Although his three-point percentages could be better, there's no denying he's been a big boost for this Denver offense in 2016-17.
As you may know, though, the Nuggets appear ready to move on. Gallinari was already mentioned as a trade candidate leading up to the 2017 deadline, but was likely passed on with the knowledge he should be available this upcoming offseason.
Considering Denver's eagerness to unload him, Gallinari is almost guaranteed to decline his player option.
Gordon Hayward could also be a potential fit for this role, but I believe Gallinari is a better candidate because he's more of a true shooter. Hayward, on the other hand, is more of a playmaker and star of the show.
I don't necessarily think that's what the Celtics need unless it's a real superstar.
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Paul Millsap, PF, Atlanta Hawks
Apart from one superstar (to be named later), the power forward market isn't going to be all that fruitful in 2017. You know when Pau Gasol is one of the top three or four options scheduled to be available, pickings are relatively slim.
Paul Millsap, however, would be an excellent addition for Boston. He's easily the second-best power forward in line to hit the market this offseason, and brings a well-rounded set of skills to the court.
As it so happens, the Celtics could have a rather large need at power forward in the very near future.
Their top two power forwards, Johnson and Jonas Jerebko, are unrestricted free agents in 2017. Chances are Boston won't bring either back, which will leave the team rather thin at the position.
Unless they find a capable center who can allow Horford to move to the 4 spot, the Celtics must sign a capable starter who can replace Johnson in the lineup.
While Millsap might not be a "dream" signing in some folks' opinion, Boston would certainly enjoy his presence in the front court. He's an exceptional rebounder, strong offensive force and quality defender. Adding him would help round out what's already a strong starting five for the Celtics.
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Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers
As previously mentioned, the Celtics may soon be short on power forward talent. While there are a number of ways they could choose to bridge the gap, Blake Griffin would be a dream signing this offseason. In fact, he could actually be a realistic option as well.
Prior to the 2017 trade deadline, the Celtics were in preliminary discussions with the Clippers about a trade for Griffin (via ESPN's Zach Lowe). Although nothing ever moved past the initial phases, it's clear Boston is serious about bringing him aboard.
Free agency would be the perfect opportunity to do so without having to part with draft assets.
Griffin would give the Celtics the star power they so desire. Teaming him with Isaiah Thomas would give them a dynamic mix of talent between the front and back courts.
Although there's the obvious concern about Griffin's health issues, the impact he makes when on the floor is undeniable. Put simply, he'd immediately make Boston a favorite to steal the Cleveland Cavaliers' crown in the East.
There's a strong belief out there that Griffin will re-sign with the Clippers once he declines his player option. However, if he does test the waters, the Celtics will be throwing the kitchen sink at him in hopes of getting a contract signed.
I wouldn't be surprised if he heavily considered the possibility.
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Durant, SF, Golden State Warriors
If Kevin Durant actually decides to weigh his options again this offseason, you better believe there will be a plethora of teams blowing up his agent's phone. It's not often a superstar like him becomes available, so everyone will be hoping to make their pitch.
I have to imagine Durant would at least listen to what the Celtics had to say. They're one of the league's most storied franchises, and one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference. All they need at this point is another star to tie it all together–that's where Durant comes into play.
Now this would be a different situation than the aforementioned Gallinari signing. While the Nuggets' sharpshooter would bring scoring potential to the wing, Durant would bring elite talent and star power to the Boston starting five.
Even with the talent they already have at small forward, you simply don't pass up on the opportunity to sign one of the best offensive players of all time.
This is the definition of a dream scenario. Then again, I'm sure the Warriors thought signing Durant was a dream a year ago, and look where we are now.
Assuming Durant declines his player option (likely for financial reasons), you better believe the Celtics would request a meeting if he were interested in talking to potential suitors.
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