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Celtics really should be eyeing these free agents this offseason

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Kelly Olynyk gets entangled with Kevin Love in Game 4 of their playoff matchup. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Kelly Olynyk gets entangled with Kevin Love in Game 4 of their playoff matchup. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

The Celtics are heading toward a big summer in 2015, as Danny Ainge will do his best to reel in a top-tier free agent who could help the Celtics become a top team in the Eastern Conference next season.

The Celtics, who were swept by the Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs, need help in the front court. The Celtics didn’t have a go-to scorer, nor did they have anyone who could rebound against Cleveland. Scoring and rebounding are two statistical categories the Celtics most need help in.

Ainge will take a crack at signing unrestricted free agents such as Marc Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge, but chances are those players will end up staying in Memphis and Portland, respectively. Same goes for restricted free agents like Golden State’s Draymond Green and San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard; two players who will stay where they are or go to another title contender out west.

But there’s still plenty of talented free agents available who could be looking for a change of scenery. Here are four free agents the Celtics could sign this summer.

Greg Monroe, PF/C
2014-15: 16 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists

The unrestricted free agent will be attracting attention from a lot of teams this summer. Monroe is a good rebounder whose consistent offense is something the C’s need out of their front court. He can score with his back to the basket and is the most realistic free agent candidate on this list for the Celtics. This past season, Monroe averaged a double-double for the first time in his career. Adding Monroe to the offense would make the Celtics a top-five team in the East next season. Even though Ainge may have Kevin Love listed above Monroe on his free agent wish list, Monroe most likely will sit atop of Ainge’s list after Cleveland ultimately signs Love back for one more season.

Jimmy Butler, SG/SF
2014-15: 20 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists

The Marquette grad was an All-Star this season and proved to the league that he’s on his way to becoming an elite scorer. Butler, 6-foot-7, can stretch the floor from the wing because of his ability to knock down outside shots. Butler, along with Avery Bradley‘s shooting, will create space for players like Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Smart, who have no problem scoring when they drive to the hoop. As a guard, Butler is also a good rebounder. If the Celtics want to go deep into the playoffs they’re going to need a go-to scorer. Butler is the man for the job. The Celtics would have to move him to the SF spot, which shouldn’t be a problem. He spent time playing the three for the Bulls and could lead the Celtics front court. He’s a restricted free agent, and it’s going to be tough to pry him out of Chicago’s hands, but the Celtics have the money to match any deal the Bulls offer Butler. One thing that could help the Celtics’ chances is Chicago’s coaching situation. Now that the Bulls have fired coach Tom Thibodeau, Butler may ultimately decide that Brad Stevens‘ system is the right fit for him. Maybe Jae Crowder (assuming he stays), Butler’s former teammate at Marquette, can help make him a believer.

Kevin Love, PF
2014-15: 16.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists

Love isn’t happy with the Celtics, specifically Kelly Olynyk. After Love dislocated his shoulder on a play that, according to Love, Olynyk did “on purpose,” the C’s may have decreased their chances of signing the big man this summer. However, according to a new report, Love could be interested in signing with Boston or LA if he ultimately opts out of his deal in Cleveland. The Celtics need rebounding. Love can grab boards and score 20 points a night, especially on a team where he would be the No. 1 option. But his injury does complicate things for Cleveland. After Love’s stellar performance in the first round, the Cavs most likely will want to bring him back to see how he plays against the rest of the Eastern Conference in next year’s postseason.

DeAndre Jordan, C
2014-15: 11.5 points, 15 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 71 percent FG

A rim protector is something the Celtics have been missing since the Kevin Garnett-Kendrick Perkins duo. Jordan is the best in the league at rebounding, and he also can block shots and finish around the rim. He’s a horrible free throw shooter but shot a league-best 71 percent from the field (dunks and layups) throughout the regular season. The thought of Jordan in the Eastern Conference would strike fear in Cleveland and all of the conference’s top competitors. Danny Ainge has to try to convince the big man that he has a better chance of competing for a title if he moves to the East Coast. Hopefully for Boston fans, he cares about that sort of thing. If not, Jordan most likely will stay put in Los Angeles’ hot weather or maybe head down to Texas to put on a Mavericks uniform.


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