NBA Rumors: 3 Players that could join the Boston Celtics over the next week

The Boston Celtics appeared destined to become the new dominant force in the Eastern Conference after LeBron James headed to the Lakers last summer, although a turbulent season concluded with a 4-1 Conference Semifinal defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Celtics' young core of Terry Rozier, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown failed to reach the same heights of 2018, whereas Gordon Hayward looked like a shadow of his former self after returning from a serious injury that caused him to miss the entire 17-18 season.

In free agency, Kyrie Irving will leave for Brooklyn, although the impending arrival of Kemba Walker will soften the blow. The Celtics are also being linked with a number of other stars around the league, and here are three players that could link up with the Celtics over the next week.

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#1 Steven Adams

The Oklahoma City Thunder are willing to part with their starting center

Steven Adams has been linked with the Boston Celtics over the past few weeks, and Nick Friar of WEEI is reporting that Adams could still head to Boston even if the C's add a max-contract talent such as Kemba Walker:

The Celtics have been rumored to be interested in Steven Adams in Oklahoma City. But it would take some serious maneuvering to make that deal work. This is assuming the C’s are still interested in Adams and OKC feels Hayward is a fit. (They are in need of a shooter.)

Adams has been Oklahoma City's starting center over the past five seasons, although multiple reports have claimed that Thunder GM Sam Presti is willing to trade the Kiwi in order to free up cap space.

During the 18-19 season, Adams averaged 13.9 points and 9.5 rebounds per game and is owed $50 million over the next two seasons.

#2 Kevon Looney

Kevon Looney's role with the Golden State Warriors has gradually expanded over the past four seasons

Kevon Looney was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 30th overall in the 2015 draft, and despite playing on one of the best teams in NBA history, Looney has managed to establish himself as an important role player in Steve Kerr's team.

During the 18-19 season, Looney averaged 6.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game and his impact was substantial enough to oust DeMarcus Cousins during the postseason.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has described Looney as a "foundational piece" of his side's future, although Looney is considering offers from rival teams.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania is reporting that the Celtics will pursue Looney with their $4.8 million exception.

At 23, Looney fits alongside a young Celtics roster, and the center is likely to see an increase in both minutes and responsibility.

#3 Malcolm Brogdon

Malcolm Brogdon enjoyed a fine season with the impressive Milwaukee Bucks

According to Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports, the Celtics are targeting a trio of names, including Malcolm Brogdon of the Milwaukee Bucks:

After Boston and Brooklyn swung their big trade, the Nets became famous for signing RFAs to big offer sheets. It might be the Celtics turn at that game this summer, with chatter building that Malcolm Brogdon, Thomas Bryant and Tomas Satoransky are potential targets.

Brogdon was a key performer for the Bucks during the past season as he averaged 15.6 points off of 50 percent shooting, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.

However, Milwaukee are struggling to bring back all their out-of-contract stars for the 19-20 season, and Brogdon's high salary could make him the man to make way.

On the Boston side of things, the financials of the deal will be difficult to pull off, although Brogdon would give the Celtics a supremely talented 26-year-old, who is about to embark on the prime years of his career.