Ainge, Celtics set to make a splash in free agency - Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

BY: MIKE DYER
WALTHAM

Danny Ainge is happy, but far from satisfied. After a surprising 40-win season and trip to the playoffs, the Celtics' president of basketball operations made it very clear during his season ending address on Thursday the team is focused on bringing elite talent to Boston .

"We're going to go after all the top names on the list, and see what happens. I don't know if in the history of the Celtics we've ever had cap space, certainly not in my time. It's exciting".

While Ainge was complimentary of his current players, it's clear he has his eyes set on something bigger - namely a free agent class including players like Kawhi Leonard, Draymond Green, Marc Gasol, and DeAndre Jordan.

“Most of the guys that have played here love it here and they don't want to leave once they're here,” Ainge said. “Not all of them are real excited about coming here when they first get here, so usually when they leave they love the organization, they love the city. We need to get that word out.”

Ainge continued, "We have to prove to people that we have the opportunities for them to be paid, for them to play, for them to reach their full potential and for them to win".

The Celtics enter the offseason with just over $20 million in cap space, the most they've had since the NBA instituted a salary cap before the 1984-85 season.

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Some other notes from Ainge's season-ending address:

On the current roster:

“I think we need to upgrade our talent level on our team and at the same time I'm very excited about a lot of the individuals we have. Actually, all the individuals. I thought they played the best basketball of their careers in a lot of cases. I'm excited about the players that we have. At the same time I feel like we're not on the same level as a team like Cleveland, and we found that out.”

On Jared Sullinger's weight:

“Jared wants to be in great shape. Jared puts his work in. I think he's in the process of trying to change his habits and get in the best shape of his career.”

“I think he's hurting the longevity of his career and his play now by not being in as good shape as he can be in … I hope it was a wakeup call. It appeared to be a wakeup call at the time. But only time will tell. Those are the questions.”

On Kelly Olynyk getting threats from Cavaliers fans after Kevin Love's injury:

"I think that's a little bit over the top. I'm sure there's a lot of frustration in Cleveland and they wanted some justice and they scrutinized it and felt like Kelly gave a little bit too much at the very end of that arm tangling … When someone gets hurt, you're just under a lot more scrutiny. But I thought it was just a foul, two guys going for a loose ball.”

Mike Dyer is a producer in the FOX25 Sports department. Follow Mike on Twitter at @Mike_Dyer13