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Boston Celtics Rumors: 5 intriguing free agents team should target

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 21: Julius Randle #30 of the New Orleans Pelicans celebrates with Nikola Mirotic #3 against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 21: Julius Randle #30 of the New Orleans Pelicans celebrates with Nikola Mirotic #3 against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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NBA free agency Jonas Valanciunas (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
NBA free agency Jonas Valanciunas (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Jonas Valanciunas, C

A somewhat cheaper option than Nikola Vucevic is Jonas Valanciunas.

As frustrating as it had to be to watch his former team, the Toronto Raptors, win an NBA championship in the same year they traded him, Valanciunas has to be just as appreciative of the deal.

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While Marc Gasol was contributing to the Raptors alongside Kawhi Leonard, Jonas Valanciunas was finding his way with the Memphis Grizzies.  Since the trade, the big man averaged 19.9 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game which lived up to the type of numbers the Raptors wanted to see from him.

As a big man with some range and certainly one who can score around the hoop, Valanciunas would be a great option for the Boston Celtics, especially given the structure in which Brad Stevens likes to run the offense.

Now that Aaron Baynes is off to Phoenix, Valanciunas would certainly be an upgrade.  If the second half of the 2018-19 NBA season is any indication, he may just be entering the height of his career.

Wouldn’t it be great if the Celtics had an all-around 7-footer who could both shoot and protect the rim?  Well, there are at least two options out there.

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