Free Agent Rumor: Celtics interested in Mozgov or Mahinmi as backup options

On the eve of free agency, all signs point to the Celtics making pitches to Kevin Durant and Al Horford as their main options. Boston has room to sign both, and rumblings indicate that the two would like to play together. Of course, the Celtics will have a lot of competition for their services.

In the (very likely) scenario that the Celtics can’t land either one, they’ll still be in the market for adding size to the roster.

Steve Bulpett reports:

The C’s will add a big man, most likely through free agency, but also possibly in trade. Beyond offering Horford a large deal (one league executive is certain they are willing to give the 30-year center a maximum contract), the club will also explore what would be considered lesser options...

But if Horford cannot be secured as a free agent, expect the C’s to look into the likes of Cleveland’s Timofey Mozgov and Indiana’s Ian Mahinmi.

Both guys make sense as backup options, depending on the price tags involved. Either would likely get more playing time than Tyler Zeller, though the team hasn’t closed the door on him either.

Reports indicate that Amir Johnson and Jonas Jerebko will likely have their options picked up because they can always be traded later. But the Celtics still have the option of clearing them off their books.

Bulpett’s article hints that the Celtics are eager to make moves to improve the roster this offseason. Should be an interesting holiday weekend. Dare I hope for ...fireworks?