2016 NBA Free Agency Rumors: Will The Boston Celtics Sign DeMar DeRozan?

By Carlo Monzon
DeMar DeRozan
Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) tries to dribble the ball past Cleveland Cavaliers forward Channing Frye (9) in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre.  Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Last week, Toronto Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan opted out of his contract with the team, which will make him an unrestricted free agent in July. This means he could end up with another team for next season.

DeRozan made his NBA debut in 2009 after being selected as the ninth overall pick of the Raptors. However, after spending seven years with the team, it seems the young athlete is now ready to explore his other options.

Once of the teams he could end up in is the Boston Celtics. According to Inquisitr, DoRozan could work well with the Boston franchise especially under the guidance of head coach Brad Stevens. With him in the roster, the Celtics will certainly have better chances making it to the finals, especially since the team is a strong contender in the Eastern Conference.

In addition, with the Celtics, DoRozan will be able maximize his performance by pairing up point guard Isaiah Thomas, who can certainly be a better partner for him than the Raptors' Kyle Lowry.

But, since DoRozan is still a young player at 26 years old, it will be a good move for the Celtics to offer him a long-term contract. He will also fit well with what the Boston franchise is reportedly doing with its roster.

As noted in various rumors, the upcoming 2016 NBA Draft doesn't seem like a very big deal for the Celtics. Instead of filling their roster with young and aspiring athletes through the draft, it seems the team is more focused on getting veteran free agents. In fact, it has been previously reported that general manager Danny Ainge has been busy going around town talking to agents of various players including Jimmy Butler, Jahlil Okafor and Kevin Love.

But then again, it is not yet clear if Boston, or any other NBA team, will be able to pursue DeRozan. After all, the athlete himself has stated that Toronto is still very special to him.

"My mind-set has always been Toronto," he said according to Sports Illustrated. "I've always preached it. I was passionate about it when we were losing. When we were terrible I'd say 'I'm going to stick through this whole thing and I want to be that guy who brings the organization to where it is now."

"I definitely don't want to switch up after we win," he added.

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