Due to this, there is no shortage of stories surrounding the Celtics heading into the new campaign and here we take a look at all the latest rumors you need to know ahead of the 2019-20 season.

#3 Celtics could pull off a blockbuster trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder

Following a decade of pursuing a title, the Oklahoma City Thunder entered rebuild mode over the summer. Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Jerami Grant all departed the team during an offseason of major change and GM Sam Presti is eager to offload his remaining high-earners.

Among them is the experienced duo of Steven Adams and Dennis Schroder, who both have two years remaining on their existing deals. At 26, both are entering their prime years on a team out of contention and Greg Swartz believes the Celtics could swap Gordon Hayward and Romeo Langford for the Thunder duo:

Gordon Hayward has shown signs of improvement during the offseason, although it is believed the Celtics would be interested in getting out of the final two years of his deal.

Langford meanwhile was only drafted this summer, though with minutes likely to be limited, it makes sense for the Celtics to sacrifice him for a more established star that can help them win now.

#2 Enes Kanter set to start the season on the bench

The Celtics lost starting center Al Horford during the offseason although the team acted quickly to sign Enes Kanter. Upon his signing Kanter was widely backed to start, although Brad Stevens suggested earlier this week the Turkish star would be better suited to the bench.

In response to Stevens’ comments, Hunter Felt of Forbes summarised that Kanter is unlikely to start due to the offensive players already at Stevens’ disposal:

While Kanter thrives as an offensive force, his defensive ability has been frequently criticised. With that in mind, it makes sense for the Celtics to start with a big who offers more defensive resistance and Daniel Theis may begin the season at the five.

#1 Kyrie’s departure didn’t affect Horford’s decision to leave for the Sixers

Kyrie Irving left Boston for the Brooklyn Nets during the offseason, although his decision wasn’t surprising after he had refused to negotiate a new deal. Nevertheless, the Celtics were hit by a shock departure in the opening hours of free agency as Al Horford completed a stunning move to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Horford has since stated he left Boston due to his desire to compete for a title, although the 33-year-old told Steve Bulpett that his decision was not impacted by Irving’s departure:

The Celtics’ 2018-19 season was marred by rumors of locker room tension and Irving frequently criticised his young teammates to the national press. The point guard will now link up with DeAndre Jordan and Kevin Durant in Brooklyn, while Horford will contend for a title with the Sixers.

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