If Jeff Green returns, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge said the 24-year-old's role will certainly be enhanced. Ainge said he intends to extend Green a qualifying offer before the July 30 deadline.

He threw out the hypothetical possibility of Paul Pierce coming off the bench, but said the veterans will be willing to play different roles.

"Knowing father time never loses, I think their being able to carry a team day in and out might be over," Ainge said. "But their ability to be contributors to very good basketball teams is still there. we have to surround them with good players if we have any chance of winning a championship next year ...

"Maybe there’s a change of roles. Maybe Paul comes off the bench, cuts down on his minutes. Maybe we find a way to get Jeff more minutes. His role will expand if he’s back here next year. There’s no question about that ...

"It wouldn’t totally shock me if there’s a change in the starting lineup, but that’s just way too tough to tell."