Celtics Ready To Enter Sign-And-Trade Max Free Agent Deal

The Boston Celtics look certain to lose two top players when free agency opened after both Kyrie Irving and Al Horford opted out of the final year of their contracts. Both the players are expected to sign elsewhere leaving the C’s drastically short of talent going into next season.

As previously reported, the Celtics were looking to utilize their cap space of around $25.8 million to sign restricted free agents like Malcolm Brogdon, Thomas Bryant and Tomas Satoransky. But general manager Danny Ainge is known for his shrewd business mind and ability to make the best out of a bad situation.

Ainge has worked his magic on the market again and put the Celtics in a good position going into free agency, with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that the Boston franchise are the front runners in the race for Kemba Walker. They are expected to increase their cap space to $34 million by waving their other free agents and sign the Charlotte Hornets point guard.

The Celtics will not stop there and according to Sacramento Sports Radio’s Matt George, they also have a significant interest in becoming the third team in a Houston Rockets and Philadelphia sign-and-trade deal that will see center Clint Capela join the Celtics as Houston create cap space to acquire Jimmy Butler.

“I've been told by a source in Houston that the Boston Celtics have significant interest in being the third team in a Rockets/76ers sign & trade,” George wrote.

Horford’s departure will be a big blow for the Celtics on both ends of the court. The 33-year-old center/ power forward is considered the most underrated player in the NBA but the Boston franchise are unwilling to meet his four-year $112 million demand.

While Capela may not be able to offer Horford’s offensive and defensive prowess, the Swiss-born center had an impressive campaign with the Rockets last season. He averaged 16.6 points and 12.7 rebounds in 33.6 minutes per game and will provide the needed cover to the Celtics.

Meanwhile, the Celtics are expected to meet with Walker, who is certain to attract interest from other teams, sometime after free agency begins Sunday. They are expected to offer him a four-year $141 million max contract, which is much lower than the five-year $221 million deal the Hornets can offer but are unwilling to do so.