Celtics Rumors: Playing Fact or Fiction with Latest Buzz Ahead of NBA Free Agency
Internally, the Boston Celtics don't have much to do during 2022 NBA free agency.
After falling just two victories shy of a league title, though, there will be some external searching to find the finishing pieces to this roster.
There are already potential targets being thrown around, so we have gathered the latest rumblings and are out to determine what's fact and what's fiction.
Scoring Forwards on the Radar?
Boston's support staff didn't always provide consistent scoring around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Celtics front office apparently see that as a call to action.
"Boston appears focused on high-scoring, small-ball forwards for the Celtics' mid-level," B/R's Jake Fischer reported. "They have been linked to Danillo Gallinari and T.J. Warren, among others."
Gallinari and Warren could both be available for cheap, since the former's numbers have declined and injuries have wrecked the latter's last two seasons. Still, each can fill a coveted niche, so Boston won't be alone in the bidding.
Verdict: Fact that the Celtics have interest; fiction that either forward will be Boston-bound.
John Collins a Trade Target?
The annual John Collins trade talks have started up again, and the Celtics are reportedly connected to them once again.
"Boston, Chicago, and Sacramento are three other teams that have shown interest in Collins, sources have said over the last few weeks," Matt Moore of The Action Network reported.
The 24-year-old signed a five-year, $125 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks just last season, but they underperformed in 2021-22 and sound eager for change.
Collins just averaged better than 16 points and seven rebounds for the fourth consecutive campaign.
Verdict: Fact that the Celtics are interest in Collins, fiction that they'll actually acquire him.
Boston Declined Alec Burks Deal?
The Celtics could use more playmaking and shot-creation in their perimeter rotation, so it's logical to assume they may have been interested in the recently traded Alec Burks.
While there were reportedly talks between the Celtics and New York Knicks about acquiring the 30-year-old with their trade exception, per MassLive's Brian Robb, Boston reportedly backed away amid concerns over his foot surgery and less-than-elite defense.
The Celtics, as Robb opined, likely decided they could hopefully find a better option than Burks with their $17.1 million exception.
Verdict: Fact that Burks could have intrigued Boston to a point, and fact that there are probably superior options out there.