Boston Celtics: 3 free agents C’s could sign using mid-level exception

Tristan Thompson, C

The frontcourt log-jam in Cleveland should be alleviated in one way or another. While Andre Drummond seems like a lock to pick up his $28 million player option, there is more uncertainty with the other two heads in the Cavalier’s big-man hydra.

Kevin Love, like he has always been, is occupying the trade block. While no deal was reached this past season, it always seems like a potential blockbuster is right around the corner. Then again, as one of the last remaining pieces from the 2016 NBA Championship team, maybe he will stay in the Land for sentimental reasons more so than on-court ones.

The other more likely option would be the departure of Tristan Thompson whose his initial 2015 extension expires, making him an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career. Unfortunately for Thompson, he didn’t pick a good off-season to be a free agent.

Fortunately for the Boston Celtics, that means they might be able to steal away a talent that was making around $18 million per year for a fraction of the cost. The crazy thing is, Thompson’s numbers have peaked with the nine-year veteran posting his highest career point total and matching his career-high in rebounding.

With Daniel Theis already in tow, Thompson wouldn’t be guaranteed a starting role, but he would have a valuable role in the rotation no matter what he’d be asked to contribute.