Isaiah Thomas Continues to Recruit Kevin Durant
By Jeremy Karll
Isaiah Thomas really wants Kevin Durant on the Celtics next season
Boston Celtics star point guard Isaiah Thomas isn’t going to stop trying to convince Kevin Durant to come to Boston this off-season, according to Adam Himmelsbach. He has already said publicly that he’s going to try to convince Durant that Boston gives him the best chance to win a championship and he recently gave the media an overview of his plan.
We already know about Thomas tweeting out a 35 (Durant’s number) and a shamrock following the Thunder’s series loss to the Warriors. He later deleted the tweet. Still, it’s telling that Thomas is not afraid to wear the recruiting hat.
According to the Boston Globe, Thomas has acquired Durant’s phone number and will soon start to talk to him about joining the Celtics. Although, Thomas told the Globe that he knows he should give him space following the tough series loss to the Warriors.
"“I definitely want to give him some time. 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.”"
If anyone was doubting how badly Thomas wanted Durant on the Celtics, that doubt should be gone now. It’s clear that he’s going to do everything he can to convince Durant to leave Oklahoma City, however, it’s still extremely unlikely Durant leaves.
The smart option for Durant would be to sign a one-year deal with a player option in year two so he can opt out and make even more money next off-season. The salary cap is going to increase again in 2017 so Durant would see a significant pay raise.
It’s reassuring that Boston might get an interview with Durant this off-season after his agent gave them a list of players Durant wants to play with, however, Thomas might have to put on his recruiting hat again next off-season.
It’s still good to see Thomas isn’t going to settle with being average and wants the Celtics to get better sooner than later.
Isaiah Thomas also told the Globe that he hopes the Celtics can re-sign Evan Turner and Jared Sullinger this off-season. Obviously they were huge parts to the Celtics team last season, but, with eight draft picks, the Celtics are running out of room for players on their roster.
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It seems that Isaiah Thomas will be very active this off-season trying to convince the Celtics’ front office to make certain moves. He might even be part of a potential Kevin Durant meeting.