The Boston Celtics are thought to be a superstar away from becoming a real contender in the Eastern Conference, and with plenty of cap space this summer, they are hoping to add that guy. Since they were unable to make a deal during the draft to land that superstar, they've turned all of their attention to free agency to do so. Here are all the latest Celtics news and rumors you need to know:
Kevin Durant to meet with Celtics
Boston was worried about their chances of meeting with Durant, their top target this summer, after he had originally scheduled visits with just the Thunder, Warriors and Spurs, but they don't have to worry anymore. According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, the Celtics are one of the other three teams that have secured a meeting with him.
Kevin Durant and his representatives have added free-agency meetings with the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers, a league source confirmed to ESPN's Chris Broussard.
The three additions join previously reported plans for face-to-face talks with the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Durant is meeting with teams in Los Angeles on free agency begins on July 1.
Celtics to pursue Chander Parsons as Plan B after Durant?
If Boston is unable to land Durant - and they're believed to be in a group behind the Thunder, Warriors and Spurs in that race - they could turn to Chandler Parsons to help fill their needs on the wing, according to Beantown Beat's Tom Darcy.
Boston has shown interest in Parsons in the past as a free agent and while he was a member of the Houston Rockets. The Mavericks are expected to heavily pursue Memphis Grizzles' point guard Mike Conley and Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside this summer, leaving Parsons, who many believe to be pursuing a max contract, out of the picture. Slowed by injuries at the beginning of last season, Parsons rebounded to have his best statistical stretch of his career during the last two months of the season, averaging 18.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 51.9 percent from the floor and 47.7 percent from three. Traditionally a small forward, Parsons has the ability to play as a stretch four, as well.
Dallas has already said that they don't plan to offer Parsons a max contract this offseason, and he will look at other teams this offseason while the Mavs pursue both Mike Conley and Hassan Whiteside. Parsons averaged 13.7 points and 4.7 rebounds in 61 games last season.
Boston "in mix" for Horford
The Celtics are also looking to upgrade their big man rotation this summer, and they've identified Hawks center Al Horford as a guy they'd like to pursue and are one of the frontrunners to sign him, reports KSTP's Darren Wolfson.
Heard today Wizards/Celtics/Heat also expected to be in mix for Horford. #Twolves likely call. But won't get him. https://t.co/4Jt06QC6jp
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 25, 2016
Horford is versatile enough to play either power forward or center, and his passing ability makes him an excellent fit in Brad Stevens' offense in Boston. He averaged 15.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last season.
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