Boston Celtics: 5 wildly ambitious free agency targets in next 3 years

Russell Westbrook, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder

When he’ll be available: Free agent in 2018 (player option) or 2019

Let’s imagine a scenario where the Celtics, for some reason, decide to let Thomas walk in 2018. It would be a huge setback for this franchise, but it’s going to be expensive handing him the max contract he believes he deserves (via the Boston Herald’s Stephen Hewitt).

If talks don’t go well, maybe Boston decides to move on. If their push for a Finals appearance doesn’t pan out in 2018, it could be decided to mix things up a bit and find an alternative at point guard.

While signing Russell Westbrook would also necessitate a max contract, the Celtics would be getting arguably the NBA’s top talent. I won’t discount Thomas’ ability and standing as one of the league’s best point guards, but he’s certainly no Westbrook. Stealing the reigning MVP from the Oklahoma City Thunder would be a game-changer for Boston.

Even if he does hit the open market, Westbrook will likely be hearing from just about every contender or big-name team out there. I would figure the Celtics would be on the shortlist of potential landing spots, but facing off against a team like the Los Angeles Lakers would be tough.

For now, though, I’m focused on the what-ifs. So what if Boston could find a way to spend their max money on Westbrook instead of Thomas? It would be a brazen move by Ainge and co., but one that could pay serious dividends.