Avery Bradley reiterates that he hopes to stay a Celtic
He also reiterated his desire to stay with the Celtics:
The Celtics formally extended a $3.6 million qualifying offer on Monday that gives them the chance to match any outside offer that Bradley receives when free agency opens at midnight. The two sides failed to reach an agreement on an extension to his rookie pact before a late-October deadline, but talks should resume now with outside interest likely to play a part in Bradley’s final price tag.
“I haven’t been worried about [free agency],” said Bradley, wearing a Celtics cap and colors as he instructed campers on the final day of his Avery Bradley Skills academy at UMass-Boston. “I’ve been worried about getting better. I try not to think about anything I can’t control. All I can do is continue to try to get better every single day, and I know everything else will work out.”
Asked about talks with Boston, Bradley added, “We really haven’t [spoke about] any numbers or anything. Obviously, I want to be here. And I let those guy know that. When the time comes, we’ll just see what happens, and see if we come to an agreement.”
I hypothesized Friday that Bradley would most likely not be a Celtic this season but now that it's being reported that Rondo in all likelihood will be going after a max contract have changed my tune.
My one criticism with Bradley, which isn't really a criticism but more a reality, is his inability to stay healthy.
However, with it looking more and more like the Celtics will be going with a youth movement, I like Bradley's defensive tenacity on the floor and understanding of the Celtic tradition off of it to help mentor recent draft picks James Young and Marcus Smart.
Having said that, only the Boston medical staff have access to his records and I think that too will go a long way in determining whether Boston matches all offers for the University of Texas product.
Follow Clint on Twitter @ClintCorey
