It might still be a few weeks until the start of free agency, but when it does begin, there will undoubtedly be a long list of suitors for Kevin Durant. The former MVP is by far the biggest name on the market this summer, and it's expected that everyone from the Wizards to Spurs (and just about every team in between) will try to lure him away from Oklahoma City.
One club that has been linked to KD from the beginning is the Celtics, and with good reason. Boston has a bright young coach and solid young roster, which means that in the eyes of many, it's one legit superstar player away from being a major contender in the East.
It's no secret that Boston wants KD (made apparent by Isaiah Thomas' tweeting --- and deleting --- a pitch to Durant immediately following Game 7 of the Western Conference finals), and on Monday, Thomas described how he expects that pursuit to begin in an interview with the Boston Globe.
Thomas has Durant's number but will wait to reach out.
"I definitely want to give him some time," Thomas said. "I know that was a tough series and a long season for him. I wouldn't want anyone calling me up about the biggest decision of my life right after the season's over. So I'll probably give him some time and casually talk to him, and then go all-in."
From there, Thomas continued, explaining what he believes makes Boston such a prime destination for Durant. Again, it begins with the pieces in place, including coach Brad Stevens and General Manager Danny Ainge.
"I think it starts with knowing your foundation is set, and you've got to go from there," Thomas said. "Hopefully, even with the free agents and things like that, players looking into coming to Boston see they're committed to Danny and Brad and the future."
Whether KD ends up leaving Oklahoma City, only time will tell.
But credit Thomas, who isn't allowing the Celtics to go down without a fight.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.