Boston Celtics: Top 5 Free Agent Targets

Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens watches against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens watches against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) drives the ball during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) drives the ball during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

3. SF Evan Turner

As I have outlined previously, I believe that bringing back Evan Turner is one of the most pivotal moves for the Celtics to make on the free agent market this offseason. The essentials to contending in today’s NBA includes possessing strong bench depth.

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With Evan Turner, the Celtics have a veteran presence off the bench who is used to playing under the pressure in Boston.

He has already become comfortable in the rotation, and is coming off of career highs in overall field goal percentage (45.6 percent), two-point field goal percentage (48.2 percent), and free throw percentage (82.7 percent).

Defensively, Turner’s ability to guard multiple positions, from point guard on up to small forward, makes him an extremely valuable asset to the up-and-coming Celtics.

He will be fetching $12 million to $15 million per year on the open market this free agency cycle, which for someone who has averaged 10.7 points per game over his career would seem like an overpay.

However, with the NBA salary cap exploding this summer due to the league’s new television deal, the Celtics may feel so inclined to bring back one of the most productive overall players in their rotation.

Next: The Former Hawk