Boston Celtics president Danny Ainge didn't trade for Isaiah Thomas just for the sake of making a trade. Ainge believes Thomas can be a big part of the team's future, and according to Thomas, Ainge is even asking the 26-year-old point guard for his input on free agents this summer. Possible free-agent targets could include Kevin Love, Greg Monroe and LaMarcus Aldridge.
"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."
If Thomas has his way, Ainge would sign a free-agent big who can protect the rim and anchor the defense.
"A defensive-minded player," Thomas told the Globe. "It'd be nice to get one of those in the draft. A lot of the big men out there could definitely help us out. But I know Danny is always up to something."
Thomas is apparently going to be the Celtics' de facto recruiter once free agency begins. He helped to recruit players while at Washington and believes he's learned enough about the Celtics in his three months with the team to be an effective mouthpiece for the organization.
As for how he plans to sell the team to free agents?
"The history behind the Boston Celtics is what you want," Thomas said. "And the city of Boston is definitely a sports city. They love their players and support their players. Really, everything you want in a basketball team and organization is here. It might not be Miami or LA with the weather, but what's most important is the culture. And I can only imagine, when we really get good, what the city would be like."
Free agency begins on July 1. Rim-protecting bigs expected to be available include Greg Monroe, LaMarcus Aldridge and - arguably - Kevin Love. The Celtics have been linked to Monroe and Love before, and Aldridge would certainly be a target if he decides to seriously test the market.
