Just like every other team in the NBA, the Boston Celtics are planning on pursuing Kevin Durant once free agency starts this summer. But it's not just the Celtics front office and coaching staff that will be trying to lure Durant to Boston, All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas is determined to have the Thunder All-Star become his teammate.
Thomas is so determined that as soon as the Thunder lost to the Warriors in the Western Conference finals, he tweeted a shamrock and included Durant's number 35. Because the Thunder had just lost and out of respect for Durant, he deleted it as soon as he tweeted it, but that hasn't changed Thomas' mind. He remains laser focused on getting Durant to sign with the Celtics.
From Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe:
Thomas made it clear that his courtship of Durant will not end with one vague and quickly deleted tweet. He said he acquired Durant's phone number and intends to call him sometime soon.
"I definitely want to give him some time," Thomas said. "I know that was a tough series and a long season for him. I wouldn't want anyone calling me up about the biggest decision of my life right after the season's over. So I'll probably give him some time and casually talk to him, and then go all-in."
What would going "all-in" entail?
"I mean, do everything I can to get him to sign, somehow, someway, hopefully," Thomas said.
Since being traded to Boston last season, Thomas has repeatedly raved about playing for the Celtics and how great the team's fan base is. So this seems like the next natural next step for Thomas, become the team's No. 1 recruiter. Quite similar to what Chandler Parsons does with the Mavs.
The Celtics may be actual long shots to land Durant though since he reportedly will likely re-sign with the Thunder. But perhaps Thomas' charisma can sway Durant into choosing the Celtics. You never know.
Also, if Durant decides to re-sign with the Thunder or doesn't choose Boston, the Celtics will be just fine. They have the No. 3 draft pick, other assets, an NBA All-Defensive first teamer in Avery Bradley and Thomas, an All-Star and now the Celtics' No. 1 pitch man.
