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 sets timeline for decision
Durant is set to meet with six teams at the start of free agency - the Thunder, Warriors, Spurs, Celtics, Clippers and Heat - and he has now set a timeline on when he wants to make a decision, according to ESPN's Royce Young.
Sometime in the next 10 days, Kevin Durant will have made his decision where to play basketball next season. He's heading overseas on July 9 for a promotional tour, and according to sources, he plans on having made his free-agency choice before he leaves.
Durant is planning to meet with the Thunder on today, the Warriors and Clippers on Friday, then the other three teams on Saturday. The last five meetings will take place in New York City.
Celtics have legitimate shot to land Whiteside?
While most of Boston's focus has been on Kevin Durant and trying to trade for Jimmy Butler this offseason, they've also been trying to add a rim protector. Hassan Whiteside is one of their top targets because of that, and the Celtics have a legitimate chance to sign him, reports Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders.
The Heat have said all the right things publicly, but there continues to be reports that some inside the Heat organization would rather see the team invest the $20 million in free agent money into another player (or players). That’s not a new story by any leap of the imagination; it’s also why teams the L.A. Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets all believe they have a real shot at signing him.
Whiteside has said he’d like to get his free agency resolved quickly. League sources say money may end up winning out, but if the Heat play games, there is a real chance Whiteside walks to a new team and the front runner there seems to be the Lakers, although sources close to Whiteside say it’s far from decided until he hears what those teams have to say.
Whiteside has said he wants to make his decision on Friday, the first day of free agency. He averaged 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game last season.
Celtics land meeting with Howard, view him as backup option
Dwight Howard has set up meetings with the Celtics and Hawks, according to ESPN. Howard will meet with up to five teams, and a return to the Rockets is unlikely.
However, Boston only views Howard a potential backup option should Whiteside sign elsehwere. Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe reports that the meeting is simply figuring out how much Howard is looking for - and they'll decide if they want to pursue him from there.
Regarding Dwight Howard, hearing that right now Celtics have no plans for aggressive pursuit. Will always listen to see if a price is right.
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) June 29, 2016
Howard averaged 13.7 points and 11.8 rebounds per game last season.
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