Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers is posting up Harrison Barnes of the Golden State Warriors during a game. (Photo : Getty Images/Jason Miller)
The Boston Celtics will have a busy offseason as they are loaded with draft picks, young assets and cap space to make big moves. According to the latest rumors, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge met with sports agent Jeff Schwartz, who represents Kevin Love and Harrison Barnes.
The Celtics have eight picks in this year's NBA draft including the third overall pick. They also have young stars such as Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart, Jae Crowder and Kelly Olynyk among others that can be packaged with the draft picks for a star player.
One of the players linked with Boston for the past couple of years is Love, who is clearly not a fit for the Cleveland Cavaliers. It has also been rumored that the Celtics will try to lure Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant in free agency.
According to RealGM, Ainge was in New York City recently and he attended a workout for prospects represented by Schwartz's Excel Sports Management. The Celtics GM reportedly inquired about Love's status in Cleveland and if a trade could be revisited.
However, the Cavaliers are one game away from winning their first-ever NBA championship so they won't entertain trades until after Game 7 on Sunday, June 19. Love is a stretch four that will perfectly fit in the Celtics offense. Besides the three-time All-Star, Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls has also been linked with Boston.
On the other hand, Barnes of the Golden Warriors also could have been a topic of discussion between Ainge and Schwartz. The 24-year-old is set to become a restricted free agent after the season and he may be a fall back option for the Celtics if they cannot sign Durant, Sporting News reported.
Barnes had the best season of his career but his performance for the past couple of games in the NBA Finals may affect his value. Nonetheless, he will look for a maximum contract and the Warriors are ready to match any offers.
The Celtics have many options this offseason and Ainge will surely look at each very carefully. They are on the verge of being legitimate title contenders with an All-Star like Isaiah Thomas and head coach Brad Stevens.
Check out the video below for details about Ainge's expectations for the Celtics this summer.
