June 30th marks the start of NBA free agency. Fresh off winning the NBA championship the Boston Celtics don’t have any clear roster needs and are looking to round out their roster. Additionally, they will only have minimum contracts as spending power due to second-apron tax restrictions. Let’s dive into five free agents the Celtics could target.
5 Potential Free Agent Targets For The Boston Celtics
Andre Drummond
With Xavier Tillman and Luke Kornet as free agents, the Celtics might be looking for some center reinforcements. It’s likely the Celtics will resign one but not the other. Andre Drummond offers elite rebounding along with solid interior scoring and defense. On the Bulls last year Drummond averaged 8.4 points and 9.7 rebounds. Crucially, the 12-year veteran will be willing to play any role, at this stage of his career Drummond is likely solely focused on winning a championship. Overall, Drummond would give the Celtics a quality 15 minutes off the bench and a veteran presence.
Justin Holiday
As the brother of Jrue Holiday, Justin Holiday has an instant connection with the Celtics. His main skill set is high-level wing defense and energy. As a result, Justin’s role would be similar to Oshae Brissett who may leave in free agency. At 35 on a team loaded with wings Holiday wouldn’t play a ton. Nevertheless, the 2015 NBA Champion is looking for another opportunity to win a title. This along with playing next to his brother makes the Celtics an ideal landing spot for Holiday.
Kris Dunn
The Celtics had known interest in Kris Dunn at the trade deadline. Dunn would give Boston a big guard and high-level point-of-attack defender off the bench. He is also a capable playmaker averaging 3.8 assists. Furthermore, Dunn attended Providence College and grew up in Connecticut giving him a geological connection to the Celtics. Impressively, according to metrics from Basketball Index Dunn is a top ten point-of-attack defender in the league. Dunn has been on a minimum contract and would likely be willing to sign another, especially considering an opportunity to compete for a title.
The top 10 point of attack defenders in D-LEBRON
1. Alex Caruso
2. Jalen Suggs
3. Dyson Daniels
4. Derrick White
5. Matisse Thybulle
6. Kyle Lowry
7. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
8. Kris Dunn
9. De’Anthony Melton
10. Vince Williams Jr.Point of attack explainer⬇️ pic.twitter.com/iD1bIRs1Y5
— BBall Index (@The_BBall_Index) April 25, 2024
Alec Burks
The Celtics should certainly explore the possibility of prying Alec Burks away from the rival Knicks. Burks is a veteran guard who gives the Celtics bench another dimension as a big microwave scoring guard. Burks received DNPs in the playoffs with the Knicks until several injuries forced him into the starting lineup. However, Burks shined with these opportunities averaging 17.8 points in the second round against the Pacers including a 26-point outburst in Game 7. If given the opportunity Burks could give the Celtics’ bench a solid scoring punch. If not, Burks has proven he’s willing to play any role asked of him. Moreover, the chance to win a championship is appealing to a 13-year veteran.
Goga Bitadze
Goga Bitadze might be the hidden gem of this year’s free agency class. While his per-game averages of 5.0 points and 4.6 don’t stand out he gave the Magic a solid 15 minutes per game including 33 starts. Bitadze’s skillset as a high-IQ big man and solid defender makes him a great fit off the Celtics bench. As previously mentioned the Celtics will likely be looking for another big with Tillman and Kornet as free agents. Bitadze could be the perfect center for the Celtics to land in free agency.
