2019 NBA free agency: 5 potential landing spots for Julius Randle

By Simon Smith | Jun 20, 2019

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 06: Julius Randle #30 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after making a three point basket against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on February 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Boston Celtics

With the recent news of Al Horford‘s likely departure, and with Kyrie Irving also expected to leave, the Boston Celtics’ starting five could very easily take an extremely different look come opening night.

Assuming this duo departs, the Celtics’ young core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart fits a very similar age bracket to that of Randle. At present, the Celtics’ frontcourt rotation consists of veteran Aron Baynes, second-year center Robert Williams, and bench rotation players in Guerschon Yabusele and Semi Ojeleye. In other words, they’re in serious need of an upgrade.

Ideally, Randle’s style of play would be matched alongside a player possessing the ability to stretch the floor to enable him to fully utilize his ability to score down low. Also, a center with the ability to protect the rim would be ideal, considering Randle averaged just 0.6 blocks per game.

Boston and Al Horford had discussed contract scenarios, but the gulf is too great for sides to believe they can close on a new deal now, league sources tell ESPN. Horford is prepared to enter the free agency to find a three or four year deal elsewhere.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 18, 2019

While his talent is apparent, the issue with Boston going down this track would be the length and amount that Randle would be seeking with his next deal. Considering the Celtics will be parting ways with Horford partly due to the length of his deal, it’s slightly difficult to envision them giving out another long-term deal to Randle.

Having said that, if the Celtics were able to attract Randle to Boston on a short-term deal, with a chance to display his array of skills, this could eventually lead a longer-term relationship at the TD Garden.