ESPN’s Marc Stein references the Celtics interest in Grizzlies center Kosta Kouos within this article on Memphis’ future:
The Grizzlies’ nightmare scenario, of course, is the prospect of Koufos attracting a lucrative offer early in free agency while Gasol is still deliberating. Keeping Koufos to play behind a re-signed Gasol would presumably be too pricey for the Grizz … but losing both in the same summer would naturally be a crusher.
And the reality is that Koufos is bound to draw considerable interest as an unrestricted free agent. Rim protection is his forte, but he also coped very well against Aldridge in the Portland series and has not only proven very durable over the year but has quietly started nearly 150 games in his career. He’s more seasoned than you think.
Memphis, mind you, signed off on the risk of losing both Gasol and Koufos without compensation when it rebuffed numerous trade proposals for Koufos during the season from the likes of Cleveland and Boston.
Koufos’ name first surfaced during the Jeff Green trade negotiations. It’s fair to say the 26-year-old Koufos falls into the category of 2nd tier players they Celtics might be willing to overpay for.
How much? I’m guessing Koufos will make at least double, maybe triple the $3 million he earned last season.
I realize this is apples to oranges, but would you rather have DeAndre Jordan at 5 years, $100 million or Kosta Koufos at 5 years, $40 million?
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