The Boston Celtics are expected to have one of the busiest off-seasons among all NBA teams. Not only are they geared to improve their lineup with the top overall pick in next month’s draft, but they also need to make big decisions on the future of their starting guards.
With Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley both slated to become unrestricted free agents after next season, Danny Ainge and company will have to start to pondering on how they can retain their services. The good news for the C’s though is that cap space will not be a problem for them as according to Ainge, via Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, their potential salaries can fit the team’s books. The Celtics' President of Basketball Operations then said he does not know all the answers yet to the situation, which he admits will be hard to figure out.
“Yeah, we can fit everybody in. But, listen, those are questions that I don't even have answers for yet. That's part of the difficult puzzle that is all hard.”
“All I'm saying is those are things I have to worry about that even I don't like to think about. And I know that those are going to be difficult decisions at some point. But we want to keep Isaiah.
“All I know is that he's had an amazing year, and who doesn't want Isaiah Thomas on their team? Like, you've got to be kidding me.”
Thomas has emerged as the Celtics’ go-to-guy and has blossomed under the system of head coach Brad Stevens the past two seasons. He has been named an All-Star in each of the past two years, and has become one of the league’s elite players.
Bradley, on the other hand, has made a name for himself as a tough defender and also evolved as a reliable shooter, especially from beyond the arc. His ability to limit the production of the opposing teams’ star guards has made him a key part of the Celtics' rotation, and gives them a valuable two-way player.
The Celtics’ situation is definitely something worth monitoring and it will be interesting to find out what moves Ainge and his staff will come up with to make sure they can re-sign their starting backcourt.