Celtics Rumors: Rounding Up Top Buzz Entering 2019 NBA Draft Lottery
The Boston Celtics are officially in offseason mode.
Despite being the preseason favorites in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics struggled throughout the 2018-19 NBA campaign and failed to advance past the second round of the playoffs. And now they're entering a summer full of uncertainty.
Will Boston re-sign Kyrie Irving and engineer a trade for Anthony Davis? Or would missing out on those players lead the Celtics to revamp the roster―and possibly lose another All-Star, too? Will the draft lottery be kind to general manager Danny Ainge and his assets?
The Celtics will be mentioned in dozens of rumors throughout the offseason, and a few major ones are already worth monitoring.
Kyrie + KD = New York?
Without a doubt, this is the most fascinating rumor of the 2019 offseason. Could the New York Knicks stumble into greatness?
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith suggests the possibility Kyrie and Kevin Durant team up is 95 percent.
Look, we understand Smith has morphed into a yell-filled, entertainment-first voice. But he still has enough credibility as an NBA reporter that his comments should be considered―especially since this rumor has persisted for months anyway.
Boston's main priority will be keeping Irving, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent after declining his player option.
The big question is whether Kyrie is ready to accept a lesser role again. That secondary stardom reportedly led to his split from LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Durant would definitely be the star of that hypothetical Knicks roster.
Nevertheless, this is a real concern for Boston.
Boston's Playoff Dud Hurting Anthony Davis Deal?
After sweeping the Indiana Pacers to begin the playoffs, the Celtics smashed the Milwaukee Bucks in the first game of the second round.
It all went downhill from there―but, quite problematically, "all" is apparently not limited to on-court performance.
Scott Kushner of The Advocate wrote that Boston can no longer offer the "clear-cut" best package for Anthony Davis. The Celtics' "joyless season and five-game wipeout" in the playoffs have combined to make the thought of building around Jayson Tatum a risky one.
As a rookie, the Duke product excelled on the biggest stage. He averaged 18.5 points and helped the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals despite missing Irving and Gordon Hayward. Expectations were high for Tatum this year.
However, an unspectacular regular season preceded a poor playoff showing. Against the Bucks, Tatum mustered just 12 points per game while shooting 36.4 percent―including a 2-of-16 three-point clip.
The Pelicans may still believe Tatum has All-Star potential, and he could be the most talented player available in a trade.
But that billing seemingly isn't as clear anymore.
Al Horford Opting Out to Stay?
Although most of the attention is centered on Irving, Boston has another potential marquee free agent in Al Horford.
The veteran center has thrived over three seasons with the Celtics, averaging 13.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists. He's a versatile offensive player and highly effective defender. But now that Boston is eliminated from the playoffs, his future is a question.
According to HoopsHype, Horford has a player option worth $30.1 million. While it may seem ridiculous he'd not exercise the option, Horford may prefer wielding some power in an offseason of uncertainty.
Or, he's simply willing to help the Celtics.
Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald reported a source said Horford would take a team-friendly contract if he gets two additional years.
The deadline for Horford's decision is June 29.
Follow Bleacher Report writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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