5 Free Agents the Celtics Should Go After This Offseason

Even though the Celtics inspirational postseason run ended yesterday with a four game sweep at the hands of Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, it's time to take this team seriously, and start thinking about next year's free agent targets. Here are my picks.

(In no particular order)

1. DeAndre Jordan

It's no surprise the Celtics are in need of a rebounder and rim protector. DeAndre Jordan is just that. The man is happy to roam the paint looking for ally oops and shots to block. His weakness is his complete lack of any outside shot, and horrible free throw shooting (consistently worst in the league) but what he brings elsewhere would more than make up for it.

2. LarMarcus Aldridge

LaMarcus Aldridge is one of the few true centers left in the game. He has tremendous offensive abilities, can rebound, and can play defense. At 29 years old he's the oldest among my free agent targets so he's likely to break down towards the end of his next contract. That being said, the upside for the first few years of it is too good to pass up.

3. Draymond Green

He's not exactly star power material, but Draymond Green is an energetic player who would fit in well with the Celtics roster. He can pretty much do it all, and can even shoot the three off a pick and pop, or spotting up in the corner. His ability to defend many different kinds of scorers is what would make him a perfect fit for the Celtics.

4. Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard is so close to making the leap to an elite level type player and would be the the no. 1 guy on the Celtics (and could dominate a weak Eastern Conference). He won the 2015 defensive player of the year, and shut down Lebron James (at times) in the Finals last year on his way to winning Finals MVP. His experience in pressure situations could go a long way with the Celtics young and inexperienced players.

5. Greg Monroe

Greg Monroe is kind of a poor man's DeAndre Jordan. Rebounds, and defends the rim extremely well (averaged a double-double). Monroe is not likely to get a max contract so he would be a nice piece of the puzzle if the Celtics were to get another one of these free agents.

It'll be interesting to see what actually unfolds this offseason. Boston has never been a destination for free agents. It should be with a young bright coach in Brad Stevens, and a young and max effort team like the Celtics have.

Don't rule out a monster trade either! Danny Ainge has draft picks up the wazoo and could easily dangle those in front of teams in exchange for a stud.