Celtics reportedly showing interest in Pelicans PG Lonzo Ball

It appears the Boston Celtics may be gearing up to make a splash in free agency.

According to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer, the C's are reportedly interested in New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball. 

"Moving Tristan Thompson on Friday afternoon would appear to be the first step in creating cap flexibility for the Celtics to add Ball, although Boston did take on Josh Richardson's $11.6 million salary," Fischer writes. 

The Athletic's Shams Charania also reported earlier this week that the Celtics are among three teams expected to pursue the pending restricted free agent. The other two organizations interested in the California native are the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors. 

According to Charania, a deal for Ball could be worth north of $21 million per year. Previous reports indicated the Pelicans would not offer Ball more than $18 million annually.

Boston's interest in Ball doesn't necessarily come as a surprise. The Celtics traded starting point guard Kemba Walker to the Oklahoma City Thunder and could use an addition at the position as it's unclear if the team wants to start Marcus Smart. 

Behind Smart, the Celtics currently only have Payton Pritchard, Carsen Edwards and Tremont Waters at their disposal. Waters is reportedly looking to leave Boston, though. 

Ball could be a solid fit alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown due to his distribution skills and accuracy from deep. The 23-year-old had a career year last season, averaging 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 41.4% from the field and 37.8% from deep. 

If the Celtics acquire Ball this summer, they could be among the top teams in the Eastern Conference next season.