The Boston Celtics aren’t one of the first teams to come to mind when one thinks of Kevin Durant’s upcoming trip to free agency.
Point guard Isaiah Thomas wants them to be, though.
Thomas, who had a breakout season this year with averages of 22.2 points, 6.2 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game, posted a Tweet recently suggesting Durant should come to Boston. He later deleted it when it—predictably—went viral.
But Thomas is at it again when it comes to Durant. He recently spoke with the Boston Globe‘s Adam Himmelsbach about his strategy:
“I definitely want to give him some time,” Thomas said. “I know that was a tough series and a long season for him. I wouldn’t want anyone calling me up about the biggest decision of my life right after the season’s over. So I’ll probably give him some time and casually talk to him, and then go all-in.”
What would going “all-in” entail?
“I mean, do everything I can to get him to sign, somehow, someway, hopefully,” Thomas said.
Bold, right?
Most of the intrigue around Durant’s trip to the market died when his Oklahoma City Thunder upset the San Antonio Spurs. The way the team blew a 3-1 lead against the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals hurts, but odds seem strong Durant signs a short deal with a player option so he hits the market again next year when cohort Russell Westbrook also tests the waters.
It’s going to take a lot for a team to rip Durant away from the Thunder. Maybe Boston is it. After all, the rising Celtics made the playoffs and have a very strong backcourt thanks to Thomas, Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley. President Danny Ainge also happens to sit on one of the biggest stockpiles of draft picks around, meaning the team could reinforce the roster or maybe swing a major trade to get Durant even more help ready to contribute right away. Don’t forget the team has enough cap space for two max players.
Heck, Boston, alongside a place such as San Antonio, seems like the ideal character fit for Durant.
Which is all well and fine. But Thomas won’t be the only player or team in Durant’s ear this summer. Odds seem strong he doesn’t leave. If he does, Boston has to be high on the list—and Thomas doesn’t have to say a word.
