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NBA Free Agency Rumors: Boston Celtics focused on three stars

By Tom West

Nov 1, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) controls the ball during the fourth quarter as Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger (7) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) controls the ball during the fourth quarter as Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger (7) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Before pursuing any other signings, the Boston Celtics are focused on acquiring Kevin Durant, Al Horford and Dwight Howard in NBA free agency.

The Boston Celtics were unanimously expected to be a major player in the 2016 NBA Draft. They had eight draft picks (three in the first round) and more young, talented role players than any other team that were just waiting to be traded for a star. As the night came and went, though, nothing happened for them. Instead, the Celtics will now be shifting their focus to free agency, including their pursuit of Kevin Durant.

In addition to their meeting with Durant on Saturday, the Celtics are targeting two star centers: Dwight Howard and Al Horford.

As A. Sherrod Blakley of CSN has reported, those three players come first before any other signings.

Durant is expected to make his decision within the first week of NBA free agency, so the Celtics shouldn’t have to wait too long to hear what he decides. Until further notice, every report and indication is that he re-signs with the Oklahoma City Thunder on a one-year deal with a 2017-18 player option.

As for the two centers the Celtics are prioritizing, it’s safe to say which one fans would prefer to have.

Thanks to his complacent reputation, previous back issues and tough time in L.A. and Houston, Howard has fallen a long way from the dominant defensive force he was with the Magic. He can still help a team in the right situation and can still be a potent defensive anchor, but he isn’t worth max money and he may come to that realization if teams become hesitant to offer him such a large sum.

Meanwhile, Horford is now the most sought after center on the market after the Miami Heat agreed to a new contract with Hassan Whiteside. He’s versatile, shot better than ever from three last season, can switch to the perimeter on defense in addition to protecting the paint, and would be an ideal fit in the Celtics’ fluid, uptempo system.

Hopefully for Boston and their fans, that’s who they can sign to finally land a star to support Isaiah Thomas.

For more NBA free agency coverage, be sure to check out our NBA hub page.

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