Danny Ainge (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics have been consistently linked of adding Russell Westbrook to their roster this offseason, but following his contract extension with the OKC Thunder, the C's may veer their attention at other potential targets.
Any chances the Celtics have of acquiring Westbrook in what could be an NBA landscape-altering deal is all gone after the All-Star PG to a three-year contract extension with the Thunder. Westbrook was considered one of the Celtics' main trade targets this summer, but his decision to remain with the Thunder, at least for two more years, could mean his out of Boston's short-term trade plans.
Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has always been insistent about finding another game-changer the team could mix up with their well-disciplined lineup, which is now led-by All-Star center Al Horford.
Essentially, adding Westbrook would make the Celtics an even better team. With two star players in their fold, they would have a better chance contending for a championship. However, it may come up as a blessing in disguise for the Celtics to see Westbrook playing two or three more years with the Thunder.
Any potential deal for Westbrook would have cost the Celtics plenty of key players and assets, which may not bode well for Boston who have managed to sneak into the playoffs last season despite not having a star in their roster. If the Celtics could keep their core intact for a while and improve in what is already a promising combination of talents, they may find themselves in pole position to lure Westbrook once he hits free agency in the foreseeable future.
But losing their pursuit for Westbrook does not mean the Celtics would stand pat approaching the 2016-2017 regular season. As Ainge puts it, "if it's something that gets us to being a true championship contender faster, we're all for it," reports CBS Local.
There are few names available in the trade market Boston may consider. Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin has been also linked to the Celtics for quite some time now, but it seems any deal is unlikely at this point, with Griffin also primed to explore free agency next summer.
Anyone between Greg Monroe and Jahlil Okafor, who are widely expected to get dealt before the season starts, could be a viable option for the Celtics as trading for either of the two would only cost them very few trade assets.
Kenneth Faried and Rudy Gay could also be potential targets, but any deal would likely include Jae Crowder and Avery Bradley, both of which have been essential key players for the Celtics in the past few seasons.
There is also the possibility of waiting days or weeks before the trade deadline before the Celtics make any significant moves. If the likes of Kevin Love and DeMarcus Cousins become available at that time, it is certainly a deal worth exploring for the 17-time NBA champs.
There are several prospects the Celtics may consider from this point forward, but surely, Westbrook isn't one of them.
