Celtics To Target Frontcourt Upgrade This Offseason

The Celtics are focused on landing “an All-Star caliber talent” in the front court, multiples sources tell A. Sherrod Blakely of Comcast Sportsnet. Blakely adds that Gordon Hayward remains a target, but he’s likely to re-sign with the Jazz this summer.

Blake Griffin could be another target. The power forward is expected to re-sign with the Clippers, but he would be a good fit alongside Al Horford if Boston can convince him to sign with the team. Horford, who signed a four-year deal with the Celtics last offseason, is excited to see where the franchise goes this year.

“We had such a good year. A lot of positive things. It’ll be interesting to see what Danny [Ainge], the organization feels is going to be the next step,” Horford

Ainge could always make a trade to bring in talent, but Blakely notes that he’s more inclined to make major additions via the draft and free agency. Several of the team’s players have faith that the front office will make the right moves this summer.

“It’s always a good thing when you have the opportunity to add value to your team and don’t have to change your team too much,” said Gerald Green, who will be a free agent this summer. “I’m going to be very interested to see what they do as far as building a team. We’re in a good place right now as far as being where we want to be organization-wise. I feel like we’re one or two steps away from actually being at the Finals. I think Danny has some things to think about, but I’m sure he’s going to do the job. I’ve seen Danny go to work in these situations. He always makes the team better. I’m pretty sure he’s got something planned that, at the end of the day, is going to make this organization better.”

Blakely adds that the team could look to extend Isaiah Thomas this offseason rather than waiting until the point guard is a free agent in 2018. Thomas sounds like Boston is a place he doesn’t want to leave.

“Boston’s changed my career, changed my life,” Thomas said. “I would love to be here long-term and win championships here. But as you guys know, it’s a business and anything can happen. I know that and understand that. But I would love to be here. This has been everything to me. This city, this organization … it’s been good.”

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