Celtics have opened up contract talks with Zeller and Sullinger


The Celtics have opened up extension talks with both Tyler Zeller and Jared Sullinger, according to the Boston Globe.

C's president of basketball operations Danny Ainge told Adam Himmelsbach that the team will continue to have discussions all they way into October.
“Obviously, those are two guys that we like moving forward,” Ainge said. “So, yeah, there will be more discussions with both of them, probably during the month of October.”

The deadline to offer both Zeller and Sully contract extensions is October 31st.

For Zeller, he seems to be the most likely to sign long term with Boston after being acquired from the Cavaliers last offseason. The 25 year old seven footer averaged 10.2 and 7.5 rebounds a game in his first season in Boston and also had a team high 54.9 shooting percentage.

Sullinger provides a little bit more of a sticky spot for Danny Ainge and company. The more talented player out of the three who are eligible for extensions (Zeller, Perry Jones and himself) has battled injury and weight issues in his brief NBA career.

When right, Sully can be a major piece for Brad Stevens in 2016. If the Celtics want --- and they should --- they can take Sullinger up until the final moments of the October 31st deadline. They can see how he plays in preseason, the first two games of the regular season and make their assessment from there.

Not a big sample size obviously and if he is playing well Sullinger might not want to sign a team friendly deal, but its smart for the Celtics to take that gamble.

At the end of the day, I can see both of these deals getting done. As for Perry Jones, we should worry about him making the roster before we consider giving him a long term deal.

Follow Tyler on Twitter: @TylerSully 
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