Isaiah Thomas says Celtics GM Danny Ainge asked for input on free agents
Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas said general manager Danny Ainge encouraged him to give advice on which free agents to pursue this summer.
“Danny said if there’s any free agent out there I’m interested in, to let him know,” Thomas told the Boston Globe. “That has me excited. For him to ask for my input means a lot, because it means I’m definitely, right now, a part of the future, and they also value your word and what you think about the game of basketball. It means a lot, and it’s a mutual respect we have. Now, hopefully, we can get a few guys.”
Thomas added that he would like the Celtics to pursue a rim-protecting big man.
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Thomas was acquired from the Phoenix Suns in a deadline trade this February. He averaged 19 points, 5.4 assists and 2.1 rebounds per game in 21 games after the trade.
The Celtics have about $40 million in salary on the books for next season. Hoops Hype puts the figure at $40.4 million, while Basketball-Reference lists $42.3 million in commitments. The salary cap for next season is reportedly expected to be about $67 million.
Boston finished 40–42 this season and returned to the playoffs after a one-year absence. The Celtics lost in the first round to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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- Dan Gartland
