NBA Free Agency: 3 centers that may join the Boston Celtics in the next week

Ahead of free agency, the Boston Celtics opted to trade their starting center Aron Baynes. The 32-year-old had played a vital role with the team since signing back in 2017, although the Celtics were believed to be keen on bringing in OKC's Steven Adams.

However, acquiring Kemba Walker ended any talk of them taking on the remaining two years of Adams' huge deal and Boston has subsequently brought in Enes Kanter on a two-year $10m contract.

Although he has somewhat improved recently, Kanter's defense is notoriously poor and it's unlikely he'll feature regularly as part of Brad Stevens' starting five. With that in mind, the Celtics are likely to add another big man in free agency to bolster their options, so here's a look at three potential signings who may head to Boston in the coming week:

#3 JaVale McGee

JaVale McGee enjoyed a strong season in Los Angeles with the Lakers

Despite offering solid production from the Golden State Warriors' bench in back-to-back championship-winning seasons, JaVale McGee continued to receive more than his fair share of insults from the NBA's fanbase.

However, after joining the Los Angeles Lakers last summer, McGee immediately flourished in a more prominent role and the veteran center was arguably among the biggest steals of the 2018 offseason. In return for his veteran's minimum salary, JaVale averaged 12 points and 7.5 rebounds in just over 20 minutes per game.

The 31-year-old is once again expected to be available on a basement deal and while not his greatest strength, he's a much more capable defender than Kanter. McGee's offense has also improved in recent years and the former Golden State man has the potential to average a double-double with the Celtics.

#2 DeMarcus Cousins

DeMarcus Cousins is looking to re-establish himself as one of the NBA's best bigs

DeMarcus Cousins is coming off a season in which he overcame a career-threatening injury with the Golden State Warriors. Back in January 2018, Cousins was diagnosed with a torn left Achilles, although after just over a year on the sidelines, the 28-year-old made his return to court. Cousins went on to play 30 times, averaging 16.3 points and 8.2 rebounds in 25.7 minutes per game.

Given his return to fitness, Cousins was expected to command a much higher salary than the $5.3 million he received for the 18/19 season, although Brandon Robinson on Heavy.com is reporting that the Celtics are among the interested teams set to meet with the center.

Heat, Celtics are meeting with DeMarcus Cousins, I'm hearing. https://t.co/Ietuss5TEq
— Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson 📍 (@ScoopB) July 2, 2019

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Despite the Celtics' interest in Cousins, a deal is far from straightforward as the four-time All-Star can earn a much higher deal elsewhere. However, if the Celtics are able to pull off a move for Cousins, the team would arguably boast the best roster in the Eastern Conference.

#1 Willie Cauley-Stein

Willie Cauley-Stein has spent his entire career with the Sacramento Kings

Willie Cauley-Stein was set to become a restricted free agent for the Kings, although after the 25-year-old expressed his desire to seek a new challenge the team reversed course on their initial decision and allowed Cauley-Stein to become an unrestricted free agent.

The center is coming off a season in which he averaged 11.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 81 games, and there is a belief that the lottery pick could still fulfil his early potential and establish himself as one of the league's better bigs.

The Kentucky product could also be available on a cheap deal as the majority of the NBA has already moved to secure their primary center targets. In terms of a fit on the Celtics, he's a much more rounded player than Kanter and the 7 foot big would present an exciting addition to Stevens' team this summer.