The implications of the trade of Kurt Thomas to San Antonio will greatly affect the Celtics in the summer free agent market.
They have the MLE (perhaps $5.5 million), LLE (perhaps $1.8 million) and veteran minimum to attract free agents.
In addition, they will need to pray that James Posey exercises his player option to return (unless Posey wants a bigger chunk of the MLE than $3.46 million, which he very well might, since his mpg are up to almost 25m, passing Perkins in the rotation (5th most).
They also need to re-sign Tony Allen (offering Tony a one year qualifying offer for $2.8 million by June 25 ensures the Celtics the right to match any offer), and re-sign Eddie House and Scot Pollard.
The strategy for free agents is altered with Kurt Thomas to San Antonio.
35 year old Kurt Thomas is the best available center available this summer for the MLE or less. Although he will be a free agent, he is from Texas, went to college in Texas, and is a strong liklihood to sign a 2 year deal with San Antonio.
The next best center available for the MLE or less is Brian Skinner, who will likely remain in Phoenix.
Then the picking drop to Jake Voskuhl and Francisco Elson. So, the health, availability and contribution of Scot Pollard suddenly takes on new importance. If size is required, Scot may very well be the best available, unless the Celtics say the hell with the luxury tax and start offering their semi-retired (although not officially retired players, who were not on one year deals in their last season) to make a trade for a Center work.
Now, that said, since Scot looks to be the man next year, unless the Club is suddenly enthralled with Jake Voskuhl, the implication is that the Celtics will not be constrained in the money they can spend on a backup guard. They might offer $3 million, even more, for the right guy.
The trick will be someone who will accept the occasional need for a defensive stopper at the point (Tony Allen), or the need to bring in a hired gun, as long as he's hitting Bullseyes (Eddie House).
Anyway, the implication is now that if the Celtics want a free agent point guard, money should not be the issue.
Here's to:
Beno Udrich
Carlos Arroyo
Chris Duhon
Tyronn Lue
Sam Cassell (will be 39 in October)
Keyon Dooling
Jason Williams
Anthony Johnson