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Boston Celtics: “Pass or Pursue” on 3 recently linked free agent targets

By Mark Nilon

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 06: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket as John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks defends during the first half of an NBA game at State Farm Arena on January 6, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 06: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket as John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks defends during the first half of an NBA game at State Farm Arena on January 6, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics target No. 3) Evan Fournier

The C’s big trade deadline acquisition from this season, Evan Fournier is set to hit free agency come the offseason and, essentially right upon his arrival, Danny Ainge made it abundantly clear that they view the swingman as more than just an expiring contract:

"“When we acquire Evan, we don’t acquire him with the idea that he’s going to be with us for just this year,” Ainge said. “We acquired him with the idea that he could potentially be here for a long time, like all the players that we acquire.” “This opportunity was unique,” he continued. “And to add a player of his caliber. We’ve talked often about shooting with size. Here’s a 6-7 kid that is a good shooter, can playmake, can handle the ball. Just another creator for us. And a very consistent player.”"

Evidently, this mindset is shared by the likes of Swartz, who believes re-signing Evan Fournier should be of the utmost importance this summer:

"Keeping Fournier around should be priority No. 1 given Boston used $17 million of its $28.5 million trade exception to acquire him. The 28-year-old has only played four games with the Celtics—he’s missed Boston’s past eight contests in compliance with the NBA’s health and safety protocols—but he’s averaging 15.3 points and shooting 61.1 percent from three since a disastrous debut."

No matter how we feel about this year’s deadline, at the end of the day we cannot change the fact that the Celtics used their historically large TPE on the 28-year-old sharpshooter. In order to not cause an uproar from the team’s loyal fanbase, Danny Ainge must look to get the most out of Fournier.

That will likely come with re-upping with the Frenchman.

Verdict: Purse

Next. 2 surprise offseason trade candidates. dark

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