Deadline approaching for Terry Rozier extension - don't hold your breath


I am not saying it won't happen, but that is simply not Danny Ainge's usual mode of operation. The Celtics have until October 15 to ink Terry Rozier to an extension on his rookie contract, but a deal would seem unlikely.


One of the few negative aspects of having such a powerhouse of young talent is the question of where does all the money come from. Boston recently signed Marcus Smart to a four year/$52 million deal, and now Kyrie Irving has verbally committed to remaining in Boston. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are blossoming stars who are almost assured of big money down the road. So where does that leave Terry?

It is doubtful that T-Ro signs for what he considers low money if he continues to come off the bench. It would be to the Celtics advantage to extend him for a few years at a reasonable contract, but I don't see that happening. That would make him a great trade chip for a big name, such as Anthony Davis. And assuming no trade, his two-way play off the bench is a huge asset for Boston (per MassLive's Tom Westerholm):

It's entirely plausible (maybe even likely) that the Celtics won't be able to come to extension terms with Rozier by the October 15 deadline. But if they do, they will have locked in a promising young guard with intriguing versatility and a ton of developing skill. That can only be a positive.


So my point is - don't hold your breath. If Terry does sign an extension prior to October 15, it may indicate Ainge has a move (trade?) in mind prior to the trade deadline. Or that Danny doesn't totally buy into Kyrie's verbalization of staying put. We will know come Monday.

Follow Tom at @TomLaneHC

Photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images

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