The Boston Celtics may skip pursuing OKC Thunder star Russell Westbrook for now and resume their plans of luring the All-Star PG in next summer's free agency.
The Celtics have long been enamored by adding another star in their fold in hopes of completing a roster that could challenge powerhouse teams in the league.
One of the rumored targets the Celtics are pursuing is OKC Thunder star Russell Westbrook, who have been in the heat of trade talks after Kevin Durant decided to join the Golden State Warriors. Westbrook would give the Celtics another All-Star caliber player they could pair with Al Horford and would instantly put the franchise in pole position to win an 18th NBA championship.
It is no secret that dealing for Westbrook would be too pricey for the Celtics, and with plenty of assets at their disposal, Boston could be among the few teams capable of facilitating a blockbuster deal with the Thunder this offseason. However, the Celtics do not seem to buy the idea of giving key players and future assets if Westbrook won't sign a contract extension with them.
"If it's something that gets us to being a true championship contender faster, we're all for it. As long as it's a sustainable formula and not a one-year quick hit, sacrificing future assets." Celtics general manager Danny Ainge told CBS Local.
Ainge has never shied out of expressing the need to become instant title contenders, but it would be wise for him and the Celtics to stay away from a Russell Westbrook trade if there is no guaranteed extension of his deal. However, as noted by Tommy Beer of Basketball Insiders, the Celtics could acquire the Full Bird rights if they trade for Westbrook now, which means they could offer a five-year max contract and larger annual percentages.
"Thus, Westbrook will be able to sign a contract next summer starting at roughly $28.8 million. If he was not traded, the Thunder would possess his full Bird Rights and they would be able to offer both more years (5) and larger annual percentages (7.5 percent)," Beer wrote.
"If a team such as the Celtics or Lakers traded for Westbrook this year they would also then possess his Bird Rights and could sign him to the same contract"
Trading for Westbrook would cost the Celtics key players like Jae Crowder, Avery Bradley and probably Isaiah Thomas, who has been the team's best player in the past season. But if the Celtics wait until the summer of 2017, they will have a talented and disciplined lineup still intact, which could lure Westbrook to take his talents in Beantown.