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We are just days into free agency, although the Boston Celtics have already lost Terry Rozier, Kyrie Irving, and Al Horford. However, Kemba Walker's arrival has softened the blow from the trio of departures and following a tumultuous season, changes may be just what the Celtics needed.
But, with the East getting increasingly stronger, the Celtics are believed to open to making further moves. So, here are all the latest Boston updates that you need to know.
Celtics keen on new center but DeMarcus Cousins and Steven Adams unlikely to join
Both Aron Baynes (trade) and Al Horford (free agency) have left the Celtics since the conclusion of the 18-19 season, and the team remains in need of a big.
While Enes Kanter has been signed to a two-year, $10 million deal, the former OKC man is a well-known liability on the defensive end, and Brad Stevens is likely to use the Turkish center as an impact player from his reserve unit.
Over the past 24 hours, reports have claimed that the Celtics were in the running to sign DeMarcus Cousins, and the addition of the four-time All-Star would represent a huge coup for the Celtics. However, Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports has dismissed the speculation, noting that Cousins is unlikely to take the veteran minimum to sign with the Celtics.
Ahead of free agency, the Celtics were also linked with Steven Adams, although Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders has suggested that the deal is dead due to Kemba Walker's signing.
Nevertheless, there are still a number of free agents available that are expected to command a veteran minimum deal. Among them are JaVale McGee, Tyson Chandler, and Joakim Noah.
Celtics interested in pursuing sign-and-trade deals
The Celtics demonstrated their ability to make surprise moves when they traded away Aron Baynes ahead of free agency, and the team also has a recent history of completing bold trades such as the one that netted Kyrie Irving for Isaiah Thomas back in 2017.
With this in mind, Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald believes that the Celtics are not finished making moves, and suggests another big star could still arrive this summer :
The club is not done making moves, and according to teams around the league that we spoke to Monday, the Cs are very active in trying to see what free agents may still shake loose and what kinds of sign-and-trade deals could free up a better chunk of money to attract a large person.
As it stands, the Celtics head into the season with the trio of Walker, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown. However, Gordon Hayward could be used in order to bring in a fourth star.
Tacko Fall is impressing Celtics at the NBA Summer League
Tacko Fall was rated as one of the biggest wildcards heading into the 2019 NBA draft. Standing at 7 ft 7 in and possessing an incredible wingspan of 8 ft 4 in, Fall is the most imposing big to ever emerge from college basketball. Nevertheless, doubts over his all-around game and conditioning led the 23-year-old to go undrafted last month.
But, the Celtics opted to take a chance and sign Fall to an Exhibit 10 Contract, and Jay King of The Athletic is reporting that Fall is impressing Boston's coaching staff.
Fall is still a long way off from landing a permanent NBA contract, however, a series of solid performances in Las Vegas will help his case. There is also a chance that the Celtics' lack of depth at center could provide Fall with an opportunity to play later in the season.
Guess the Lakers players!
